Our long good bye is now over. Bernice Herring Rowe, age 78, was called home on October 10, 2018 after an extended battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Bernice was born at home in Sampson County on April 23, 1940, the daughter of the late Eudie "Teddy" and Bettie Emeline Herring of Wilmington.

Bernice graduated from New Hanover High School in 1958 and worked at France Neckwear in Wilmington. Growing up she spent summers helping relatives on family farms in Sampson County and always said she would never marry a farmer. In 1961 she married Leslie C. "Sonny" Rowe and they moved to Currie shortly after and began farming, much to her surprise. They spent the next 50 years farming and raising five children (two sets of twins) in Pender County. Bernice could often be found working at the family's road side produce stand on US Hwy 421 and later in Rocky Point.

After semi-retirement, she enjoyed time spent with family, reading, shopping with her keen fashion sense and eye for a bargain and lunches with her Red Hat ladies.

Our mother was a beautiful woman on the outside but for those lucky enough to truly know her you discovered she was even more beautiful on the inside. She was a kind and loving wife, mother and sister. She had a strong faith and was truly devoted to her family. She was a master baby whisperer and phenomenal southern cook. Bernice was simply a classy, genuine soul.

Left to remember her are her husband of 57 years, Leslie C "Sonny" Rowe, five children; three sons, David of Rocky Point, Doug of Conway, SC; John (Nancy) of Charlotte and two daughters, Gina (Larry) Hesse of Raleigh and Tina of Wilmington; seven grandchildren, Ashley, Adam, Nicholas, Lauren, Christian, Zachary and Abbey and a beloved brother, Eudie C. "EC" Herring of Wilmington.

The family will receive visitors at 1pm on Sunday, October 14, 2018 at Quinn McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel with funeral service beginning at 2pm. Burial service will follow in the Rowe family farm.

And as Mama used to greet us each morning, now our Heavenly Father shall greet her, "Rise and Shine sleepy head. Time to greet the new day."

In memory of Bernice donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association which is now Dementia Alliance of NC, 9131 Anson Way, Suite 206, Raleigh, NC 27615.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting "Guestbook" above.

A service of Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel.