Doris Fowler Herring, age 94, of Wilmington, a gracious and loving lady, departed this earthly life for her heavenly home with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 16, 2023 surrounded by her loving family.  She was born in Wilmington on June 30, 1929, the daughter of the late Alton Lee Fowler and Carrie Harrell Fowler.  Her cherished and beloved husband of 56 years, Robert "Bruce" Herring, preceded her in death on March 7, 2006.  Together, they raised four children.  Their two sons predeceased her, Robert B. Herring Jr. (Butch) in 2014 and Terry W. Herring in 2019.

She is survived by her daughters, Kathy Mattox and Renee Parish (David); and  daughter-in-law, Gina Herring.

Doris was raised in Pender County, the daughter of a farmer, where she learned a work ethic that served her well in life.  She graduated from Long Creek Grady High School in Rocky Point.  Doris never tasted the bread of idleness and fed many loved ones from her gardens.  She was a fantastic cook.  Self-sacrifice and hospitality best describe her generous nature, always serving with a kind and loving spirit.  Doris was a kindhearted lady filled with grace and goodness who never missed an opportunity to help others, especially the elderly widows of the church. Her family and friends will dearly miss her.

She loved her family deeply.  Her devotion to her family was second only to her dedication to her Lord.  This lifelong devotion to Jesus was shared in teaching children in Sunday school as a lifetime member of Herring's Chapel Methodist Church in Burgaw.  She was passionate about Jesus and His love for us, and generations of children will remember this for eternity, thanks to her.  She and her husband worked with young adults, guiding them as they needed direction and inspiration to make the right decisions in life.  We have all lost count of the number of guests who lived for long periods in their home.  Friends and relatives knew where to turn for a good meal and a place to rest their heads during difficult times.

Doris has two surviving brothers, Jimmy Fowler (Carol), and Lee Fowler (Susan); four predeceased siblings, R.C. Fowler, Ann Grathwol, Bobby Lee Fowler, and Dennis Fowler.  Grandma leaves behind ten grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. The grandchildren include Michael Herring, Christy Mayer (Bryan), Ryan Mattox (Nicole), Brent Mattox (Ali), Nicholas Herring (Rebecca), Kimberly Frierson (Jonathan), Stephanie Albers (Brandon), Kara Watson (Mark), Megan Parish, Aaron Parish (Alice).  The great-grandchildren are Savannah, Myles, Liam, Kellen, Madison, Jace, Annabelle, James, Abigail, Tyler, Reese, Taylen, Morgan, Harper, Eli, Rowan, Waylon, Haley, Anna, Jacob, and Aiden.  Her kitchen was full of good smells and smiles.  Her warmth and love will be missed by them all.

The family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 21, 2023 at Herring's Chapel Methodist Church with funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. The Rev. William Hill Pearsall will conduct the service.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Methodist Children's Home, 1041 Washington Street, Raleigh, NC 27605

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting Tribute Wall.

A service of Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw.