On August 16, 1937, Edna Mae Shade was born in Cleveland County, North Carolina, to James and Fanny Withrow Shade. She was a member of Brooks Chapel United Methodist Church.
The youngest child in her family, Momâs brothers were Grady, RJ, Yourse, Les, Dewey, Paul, June, Paris, Dwight, and Ferris Shade; and her sisters were Vernie Moon, Evelyn Shade Pine, and Pansy.
Growing up, Mom was affectionately called âwater girl,â a name given to her by her brothers to whom she supplied water while they picked cotton in the fields as sharecroppers. Mom loved her job and appreciated the bond that was built during those times. She grew close to her big brothers and they loved to tease the "water girl" position.
When Mom was 12, her brother Yourse and his wife, Lucille, began raising her in Detroit, Michigan. There, she studied the word of God and learned the importance of Sabbath worship and was baptized at the Burns Avenue Seventh-day Adventist Church. Taught the skills of a woman of Proverbs as a youth, Mom was diligent and faithful in all the tasks she performed.
In 1958, while studying education at Emmanuel Mission College (presently Andrews University), she had the privilege of meeting her roommateâs brother, the handsome and charismatic Charles Bruce Herring. As their relationship flourished, Bruce asked her big brother Yourse for her hand in marriage. Because of Momâs great attributes and stunning beauty, Bruce was overjoyed to make her his wife.
In 1960, Bruce and Edna were married at the Burns Avenue SDA Church in Detroit, Michigan. To this union was born their son, Bruce Kevin, and daughter, Tamberlyn Dawn.
Bruce and Edna became members of the Delaware Church in Delaware, Ohio, in 1962. While there, Mom became a member of the singing group called the Inspirations. They sang in many churches and for special occasions. Mom continued to be supportive in this congregation by working as the head clerk, Sabbath School teacher, and supporting her husband who was the churchâs first elder.
In 1981 Evangelist E.E. Cleveland hosted an evangelistic effort with nightly programs at Central SDA Church in Columbus, Ohio. As a result, the couple became members of the Central SDA Church where Edna was respectfully known as "Gramme and Mom "to a host of people. She was loved and honored for her wisdom and gentle spirit. Her hospitality was superb, warm, and personable. Known for her delicious meals, Mom would invite people to her house regularly; once they came they would invite themselves the next time.
Edna was very talented and served on these various committees and clubs:
President of the Be Ye Kind One To Another or BYKOTA committee, which worked with people in the church to support education and families in need;Secretary of the Good Samaritan Club â This group focused on the needs of families in the church and the community. Announcer for the television show Yours For the Asking, a Bible study that aired on Sundays; Pastor Henry Wright was a guest speaker.Naturally a nurturer, she was always eager to share godly wisdom and advice from the Word with single and prospective married couples.
The Herring family experienced one of their greatest challenges in 1970 when Edna was badly injured while mowing the lawn. Hospitalized for more than six months, Edna along with Bruce and their children drew strength from God, family, and friends. During that time, Kevin and Tamberlyn were sent to live with their uncle and aunt in Detroit. After a lengthy separation, Edna mustered the strength to tell Bruce âtake me to get my children.â Thus, the family reunited! God and family meant everything to her, and she meant everything to us.
On September 9, 2016, surrounded by her son and daughter-in-law, Rochelle, our beloved Edna, the love of Dadâs life, our dearest mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, âGramme/Mom,â âwater girl,â and faithful daughter of the Most High God, peacefully passed away. Edna leaves to mourn and cherish her memory: her loving husband of 56 years, C. Bruce; two children, Bruce Kevin (Rochelle), and Tamberlyn Dawn (Jerry Russell); her grandchildren, each for whom she had a special nickname: Jord'on (Duke) (significant other Erica), C.B. Kevin II (Booter), Shanita (Gorg), and Shelli (Doll Baby); six great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.
The Funeral will be conducted at 1:30 pm Friday, September 23, 2016 at New Bethel AME Zion Church. Pastor Ezra Mendenhall will officiate. Cremation will follow.
The Visitation will be from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm Friday, September 23 at Washburn & Dorsey Funeral and Cremation Service.
Online condolences @www.washburndorsey.com.