Emma Frances Herring

Emma Frances Herring, 98, a beloved wife, mother, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother, entered the Church Triumphant Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026, peacefully in her sleep. Born May 11, 1927, in Clintonville, PA to Matthew Denton and Virginia Elvie Sopher, Frances’ life was a testament to love, kindness, grace and family.

The oldest of five children, Frances was preceded in death by her husband Robert Herring, her parents and her brothers Richard, Matthew and Robert and her sister Evelyn. She is survived by her three sons: Richard Herring, his wife Stacy, their son Brad and his wife Melanie, Jonathan Herring, his wife Paula, their daughters Carla Crowe and her wife Jennifer Friday, Kelly Crowe and her daughter Greenlee Crowe, Christopher Herring, his wife Susie and a host of beloved nieces and nephews.

Because of her husband’s occupation in the airline industry, Frances and Bob relocated several times in their life and were also able to travel the globe. They made lasting friends everywhere they went. During their time in Newport News, VA, Frances worked as an “Interpreter” or docent in Colonial Williamsburg where her natural grace and charm along with a passion for learning, understanding and presenting the essence of colonial life, ultimately made her an icon in Colonial Williamsburg. Their final move was to the Houston area where they settled in the town of Humble, TX. Frances’ service nature landed her a job in the HR department of Smith International. She moved into the Legal department where she was so loved and respected that when she tried to retire, they begged, pleaded and cajoled her to stay on, even creating a unique two-day-a-week position for her just to keep her on staff. Frances worked at Smith International for 27 years until the age of 82.

The Herring family would like to express special thanks to the caring and loving staff of both Vantage Hospice Services and the Landon Ridge Memory Care unit in Kingwood, Texas for taking such good care of Frances in the final months of her life. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, May 2nd in the sanctuary of First Methodist Humble Church, 800 E. Main Street, Humble Texas 77338 at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Frances’ name to First Methodist Humble Church, 800 E. Main Street, Humble, Tx 77338.