Ann (Denning) Herring

Clinton

Ann Denning Herring (Nana after her grandchildren were born) passed and entered Heaven from the loving arms of her husband on February 2, 2026 at her home on 107 Summit Ridge Road.  She was 83 years old.  Ann was a beloved and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and sister.  She was surrounded by her loving family over the weeks leading up to her passing often reading Psalm 23 (one of Ann’s favorite scripture readings) and reciting The Lord’s Prayer.

Ann was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 26,1942 to J. T. (John Thurman) and Verna Denning.  She was a true Thanksgiving blessing to her family.  Ann spent her early childhood on the waterfront in Southport which left a lifelong mark on her heart for the waters and beaches around Southport and Oak Island.  Ann moved with her parents to Clinton in 1954.  Growing up, she loved riding horses and water skiing.  She was a 1961 graduate of Clinton High School and earned a degree in Home Economics from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.  This degree proved incredibly useful to her family and her community throughout her life.

Ann and Mac began dating as seniors in high school.  They married in 1965 following college graduation.  Mac entered medical school at Bowman Gray School of Medicine while Ann taught in the Winston-Salem public schools to financially support them in their early years of marriage.  Ann and Mac moved with their young boys to Eglin Air Force Base after Mac completed his Pediatric Residency.  Mac proudly served two years in the U.S. Air Force from 1972 - 1974 after which they moved home to Clinton.

Ann led their household, raising John and Neill in a loving environment.  Family was of upmost importance to her.  She will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to her family, providing expert care and companionship to generations on both sides of her family who needed care as they aged.  She consistently supported Mac and his medical practice, Clinton Medical Clinic, in every way possible.  She was tireless.  Her reputation for spoiling Mac without reservation was widely known.  She routinely helped him prepare for work early in the morning and took lunch to him at work daily to visit with him during his lunch break.  She ran the household, supported and tutored John and Neill, and was very active in all aspects of their youth.  She was recognized as PTA volunteer of the year during their school years.  More recently, she did an outstanding job spoiling her five grandchildren and her sweet dog, Ellie.  Nana loved her many times at Oak Island with her grandchildren.

Ann was a proud and active member of First Methodist Church of Clinton for more than 70 years, where she was a long-time member of the Ida Johnson Circle and especially committed to the church’s youth and children’s programs over the years.  Recognizing a need to serve children in the Clinton City Schools, Ann supported and worked closely with her sister Jean Kunzman when Jean founded the “Back Pack Buddies” ministry at First Methodist Church of Clinton providing weekend food to children in the local school system.

Ann is survived by her husband of over 60 years, Dr. Rufus McPhail Herring, Jr. (Dr. Mac), of Clinton; her son, John McPhail Herring, his wife, Claire Barnhardt Herring, and their children John McPhail, Jr (Jack) and Katherine Flintom (Kate), all of Charlotte; his son, Neill McPhail Herring, his wife, Annie McLeod Herring, and their children, Elizabeth McLeod (Lizzie), McPhail Aiken (McPhail) and William Blythe (William), all of Mount Pleasant, SC; her sister, Jean Kunzman, and her husband, Dave Kunzman, of West Jefferson, NC; her sister-in-law, Martha Vaughn, and her husband, Jim Vaughn, of Summerville, SC; and her sister-in-law, Prudence Dawson, and her husband, Bobby Dawson, of Kernersville, NC.  Also surviving are many nieces and nephews, and their children, and her beloved dog and constant companion, Ellie.  Ann was predeceased by her parents, her mother-in-law, Elese Herring, and her father-in-law, Mac Herring, Sr., both of whom she regarded as her second set of parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held at First Methodist Church of Clinton on Friday, February 6 at 1:00 p.m.  A reception will be held in the church’s fellowship hall following the service.  A private burial will be held prior to the service.

Ann’s family would like to extend heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Gib Palmer (her primary doctor); Dr. Sahil Prasada (her cardiologist); and Sandra Oates, Kaitlyn Mitchell and Yvette Williams of 3HC.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.royalhallfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the “Back Pack Buddies” ministry at First Methodist Church, 208 Sampson Street, Clinton, NC 28328.