Maria A Herndon

Maria A Herndon

A woman of boundless curiosity and unwavering spirit, Maria Ann Herndon embarked on a final journey to be at rest with her Lord and Savior on June 9, 2024. She was the second of 4 children born to Marie Lucille (saleswoman) and George Anthony Murphy (Insurance Agent/retired from the military) in Bessemer, Alabama on the 11th of October 1941. She moved to California in 1958 and remained until the day of her passing. Her parents, two brothers (George Jr and Ricard), her sister (Vassar Jean), her first born (Cynthia Francine), and her grandmother (Irene Coleman) all proceeded her in death.

Throughout her early years, Maria attended Franklin Junior High and San Bernardino High School in San Bernardino, CA, then later attended San Bernardino Valley College with an emphasis on Business. She was disabled and a homemaker for the better part of her life. She attended and was a member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in San Bernardino, CA.

Maria leaves behind her legacy of three daughters: Angela (Frederick), Beverly, Cassandra, and a host of grandchildren (Frederick Jr [Brenda], Steven [Krystal], Christopher, Danielle [Brian], Deborah, Sabrina [Nerry]), Zion, a clan of great-grands, nieces, nephews, and many friends she has come to know and love. She will be forever remembered and loved for her zest for life, unwavering faith, and the warmth of her southern twang.

Mama’s Eternal Peace

Once again, I’m chasing butterflies,

Those beautiful strips of light and color.

Reborn to run and play,

Softly moving toward forever.

No more pain to limit my steps,

To hold me back and bind me here.

Once forsaken, forgotten, and paralyzed

In the midst of my own fear.

No more words to quiet my thoughts,

To render me voiceless and incomplete.

For the age of time has found me here,

Childlike, inquisitive, ready to speak.

With arms outstretched to guide me yonder,

They beckon me to come home.

He calls to me in a voice of thunder,

Never again to drift alone.

Young once more, I go to Him—

My Father full of forgiveness and relief

He knows my name, and with love unbound,

He lifts me from all my grief.

A heavenly choir sings my welcome,

As golden gates swing wide.

In His embrace, I find my rest,

Forever by His side.

No tears, no sorrow, only peace,

In this eternal place.

Home at last, my soul is free,

Bathed in His endless grace.

© A. Quinlan, June 2024