Mother Annie Ree Herron

January 20, 1933 - August 6, 2019

Annie Ree (Jones) Herron transitioned this life to Glory on Tuesday, August 6, 2019. She is the daughter of the late JD Jones and Dollie Mae (Lofton) Jones and wife of 60 years to Oliver Herron (who preceded to Glory). Born January 20, 1933 in Fannin, Mississippi, 1 of 8 children, Annie Ree was every bit the daughter of a hardworking, sharecropper and anointed preacher. It was there in the white fields of cotton that she learned her great work ethic and to sing the songs of Zion. As her father “preached out” churches across Mississippi, Annie Ree and her sisters and brothers would sing them happy. She met and married Oliver (“Red”) Herron at her father’s church and they were married on Christmas Day 1949. Of course, this was after they were caught trying to elope. They moved to Chicago, Illinois by way of Erie, PA and to their union ten (10) wonderful children were added: Zonna, Pat, Olivia, Jesse, Larry, Ronald, Denise, Annette, Dollie, and David. Pursuing a better life for their family, in 1962 Oliver and Annie Ree purchased a 40-acre farm and moved to Decatur, Michigan. Of course, this was after mom had to repeatedly walk her children to school with a butcher knife to keep them safe from gangs. Annie Ree went back to her roots and raised her children on the farm with the great work ethic that was instilled in her. Once again, she sang the old songs of Zion and taught them the Word of God. Raising her children in the fear of God, she sought a place of worship. Unable to locate a suitable church so far in the country, Annie Ree cleared the living room in our house and church began right there where she taught her children how to truly worship God passionately, through songs of Zion and musical instruments, prayer and the Word of God. But the greatest of her teachings was how to Love. It was a model for her children and any child or person that walked into our home. Although we were 12 people in a 3-bedroom, 1 bathroom home, She always said, “There’s plenty of food and sure we can make room for one more”. She welcomed you with a hug that would melt all your worries away and had the unique gift to make you feel that you were the most important person in the world to her. Her love made you feel special and important. In 1971, the Emmanuel Church of God in Christ was established in Decatur where Oliver and Annie Ree Herron were founding members. She was a member for 43 years and served passionately as the first church musician. She also served faithfully as Church Mother and the Hospitality Auxiliary President. In 2014, she became a member of New Life Fellowship Church of God In Christ and was also one of the founding members. However, it was beyond the church walls where she perfected her ministry of Love. Annie Ree loved to visit the sick, shut-in and elderly, and loved to cook for those in need and was always the first to prepare meals and give comfort for bereaved and grieving families, whether she knew them or not. She took in the homeless families and provided food, shelter, clothing, and of course, love and nurturing. She was passionate about all children and loved to encourage and teach them about the love of God. They affectionately called her “Big Momma”. God gifted Annie with many talents to share with all. She was an excellent cook and made “Fried Corn” that melted in your mouth. She was a Master Gardner with the ability to transform a barren field into the most beautiful, bountiful vegetable and flower gardens your eyes have ever seen. She loved traveling across country with her husband, Oliver and hearing her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren laugh. Annie Ree was preceded in death by her parents, JD and Dollie Mae Jones; her husband, Oliver Herron; two brothers, JT Jones, John Jones; three sisters, Alice (Jones) Carpenter, Mary (Jones) Atlas, Queen Elizabeth (Jones) McLaurin. Annie Ree leaves to love and cherish her memory two brothers Bobby (Jackie) Jones, Samuel (Beverly) Jones; Ten (10) children, Zonna Herron, Pat (Lupe’) Herron, Olivia (Wendell) Mitchell, Jesse (Brenda) Herron, Larry (Elaine) Herron, Ronald (Shawn) Herron, Denise Herron-Burgess, Annette (Mark) Blade, Dollie (Eddie) Bristow, and David (Gloria) Herron. Other sons and daughters: Dewayne (Joyce) Powell, Robert (Kathy) Herron, Kathia (“Putney”) Williams, Keith Williams, Rhonda Herron and Leslie (Lee) Lance; Thirty-four grandchildren, Tramaine Johnson, Lacresha Johnson, Ivory Herron, Bree Herron, Brice Herron, Ashley Curths, Shane Herron, Brian Mitchell, Jessica Williams, Jamar Herron, Marcus Herron, Todd Herron, Kendra Fogleman, Lamar Herron, Larry Herron, Alana Herron, Samara Herron, Andrea Herron, Nicole Fuller, Jocelin Bailey, Noah Herron, Justine Herron, Jason Williams, Antoinette Williams, Tiffany Williams, Justin Williams, Terece Williams, Sherrod Brown, Joshua Bristow, Davian Herron, Devonica Herron, Courtney Blutt; forty-five great-grandchildren and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Annie Ree was known by many different names, Momma, Big Momma, Aunt Petty, AnnaRee, and Ms. Anne by those who loved her. She has left with us a Legacy of Love that can never be forgotten, but forever replicated. We will miss you dearly, Mom for you have been the heart of our family and you have taught us how to live faithfully, laugh hopefully and love passionately. And now abide, faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is Love. Corinthians 13:13 NKJV