Mildred was a strong woman spiritually, physically and in personality. She left school in 4th grade to work in the fields with her father, helped start the Wesleyan Church on 6th St. in Rogers, and knew her mind in all things.
She transferred to the Free Will Baptist Church in Rogers and was an active and contributing member up until her death. Her unwavering devotion to her faith provided her with guidance and strength in all aspects of her life. She served as an example to those around her, and never met a stranger. She would help anyone.
She worked at various places throughout her life, like Garrett Chicken Plant, volunteered at Innisfree during night shifts for five years, delivered food to seniors and rang the bell at Christmas for the Salvation Army, and after 18 years at Emerson Electric she finally retired to stay home and care for her husband.
Mildred had two large gardens that she tended for years. She would sell her produce off the back of her pickup but after advertising in the Dollar Trade on Kurm she had more customers then she had produce. She was famous for her blackberries, green beans and beets. She also loved to grow flowers and they were everywhere on her property. She kept her yard landscaped and mowed her own lawn up into her 90’s until she was unable.
She drove until she was 98 and drove to church every Sunday. Her family enjoyed eating at her table after church and listen to her stories of what she had done that week. She always had some good ones!
In the winter, she would sit by the wood stove and sew quilts for all her family members as well as the children’s’ shelter.
Toward the end of her life, she told her daughter she wanted to go to Heaven, but she had to wait until He was through building a place big enough for her and her garden. She said, “I wish the Lord would hurry up.” He finally finished and she is happy in Heaven now.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Nole Herron; two brothers, Carlos Gosvener and Paul Gosvener; five sisters, Jessie Jay, Grace Clark, Fleta Harrison, Susie Ward, and Claire Mae Sandlin; and two grandchildren.
Mildred is survived by her sons, Sonny McGinnis (Judy) of Patrick Community in Springdale, Loyd Herron of Vaughn Community, Melvin Herron of Decatur, Leon Herron of Avoca; daughters, Marcella Hull of
Centerton and Imogene Carr of Grove, Oklahoma; 15 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and 15 great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
