April 25, 2022, 96, Goldsboro –

Somehow the woods and gardens are a little quieter, and the flowers a little less brilliant as they mourn the loss of the woman who spent so much time with them. Doris Jinnette Herring, 96, peacefully passed away Monday April 25, 2022 at Eagle’s Pointe Assisted Living. Born in Wayne County on February 9, 1926, she was the daughter of the late John and Hortense Rose Jinnette.

In addition to her parents, Doris was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 71 years, Donald Patrick Herring; granddaughter, Katie Jones; sister, Anna Vaughn; and brother, Ralph Jinnette.

Doris adored her family. She is survived by her three daughters, Jenny Bryant and husband, Dennis of Hendersonville, Alice Herring and husband, Allen Smolonsky of Waynesville; and Laura Anderson and husband, Wayne of Dudley; her son, Pat Herring and wife, Patricia of Dudley; four grandchildren, Richard Bryant, Robin Kirby, Adam Smolonsky, and Emily Odom; and nine great-grandchildren.

Doris attended Mars Hill College in Mars Hill, NC. She loved to be creative and was talented in art, flower arranging, writing, sewing, crafts, and cooking. She was a member of Providence United Methodist Church. At the time of her passing, she was the oldest member at Providence. Doris was always active in her church. She was a member of the Samaritan Sunday School Class and the Hope Circle. Doris was also active in the community where she was a member of the Waynesborough Garden Club, a district director for the Garden Club of NC, the Fine Point Home Extension Club, and a founding member of the Mount Olive Red Hat Society. Her love of flowers brought her to become a master flower show judge. She was responsible for planning and hosting the flower shows at the Wayne County Fair for many years. She was an avid dancer. For many years her husband Donald called square dances all over Eastern North Carolina and Doris enjoyed dancing at them. She was an ardent walker and belonged to the Providence Walkers. In their later years, she and her husband Donald walked three miles a day together until their health no longer allowed them. She loved spending time with her many friends all over the state and traveling all over the world. Doris was a born naturalist and loved collecting treasures wherever she went. Her best attribute was her sunny positive attitude which helped her get through many adversities. She always “made the best of it.”

A service to celebrate Doris’ life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 28, 2022 at Providence United Methodist Church with Mr. Rudy Peedin and Rev. Bryan Sexton officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Following the interment, the family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the NC DOT Wildflower Program, whose displays Doris used to judge at their yearly competitions. The address is:
N.C. Department of Transportation
Roadside Environmental Unit
1557 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1540.

The family would like to thank the staff at Eagle’s Pointe for the exemplary care provided to their mother for the last five years.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences may be expressed at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.