Mary Gordon Herndon

Mary Gordon Simmonds Herndon passed away on the 28th day of June, 2010 at the age of 86, and joined her lifelong husband and mate in the presence of the Lord. She was born in Johnson City, Tennessee, on November 29th, 1923, and was the daughter of the late Judge James Henry Robinson Simmonds and Adelaide Russell Simmonds. She graduated from Science Hill High School and attended State Teachers College before marrying her husband of 67 years and the love of her life, the late Charles T. Herndon III. She was a life long member of the First Presbyterian Church in Johnson City, joining in 1933. She was a faithful member of several circles and served as chairperson and co-chairperson as well. She served as chairperson of the Friendship Circle. She prepared communion bread for the church for many years, polished offering plates, and scheduled flowers for the altar and the sanctuary. She served as President of the Women of the Church from 1988 through 1990, and was elected an Honorary Life Member. She delivered Meals on Wheels to the elderly and shut-ins, with the assistance of her faithful friend, Tommy Hilton. She always loved the beauty of the outdoors with particular interest in flowers, flower arranging, gardening and roses. She was a member of the Mountain View Garden Club. She loved to play bridge with her friends. She was an avid golfer, winning the Johnson City Country Club Championship with a legendary finish that included a hole in one and birdie on the last two holes to win by one. The family appreciates the support and kindness of the staff at Wellington Place where Mrs. Herndon resided at the time of her death. She is survived by: her son, Charles T. Herndon IV and wife Ann of Johnson City; her daughter, Rebecca Adele Herndon of Knoxville, Tennessee; four grandchildren and spouses, Kristy Herndon Haynes and husband, Olen Gale Haynes, Jr. of Johnson City, Holly Rebecca Herndon and husband, Matthew Dryhurst of Oakland California, Frank Thaddeus London and wife Tiffany of Portersville, Pennsylvania and Charles Jason London of Knoxville, Tennessee; three great grandchildren, Olen Gale Haynes III (Tripp), Lily Anna Haynes and Leslie Adele London; she was one of five sisters, and is survived by her younger sister, Ann Gresham of Arizona; several nieces and nephews also survive. A celebration of life memorial service will be at the First Presbyterian Church on Thursday July 1, 2010 at 4 PM in the sanctuary. Rev. Louis Imsande will officiate. The family will receive friends at the church from 2 to 4 PM on the same day. The family request that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Johnson City, 105 S. Boone Street, Johnson City, TN 37604