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GATES, NC – Elaine Carole Byrum Herring, 67, of 60 Byrum Road, Gates, died Tuesday, June 9, 2020, in Sentara Obici Hospital, Suffolk, VA.

Elaine was born on May 6, 1953, and was the daughter of Priscilla Riddick Jones (Tom) of Franklin, VA, and the late Winfred Odell Byrum. A dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother, many will remember her for the 35 years she and her husband owned and operated Ahoskie Food Center. A graduate of Gates County High School and a member of Reynoldson Baptist Church, she loved the outdoors, the home place, the family farm, and the ideals of preserving nature.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband of 50 years, Ronald William “Ronnie” Herring, and their children, Joanna Herring Brown (Seth) of Winterville and John Michael Herring (Tiffanie) of Greenville; her sister, Linda Byrum Warren (Glenn), and her brother, Daniel Winfred Byrum, all of Gates; two granddaughters, Caitlin Ann and Madison Layne Brown; and three special nieces and nephews, Adam Warren, and Blake and Kristen Byrum.

She is predeceased by her mother in law, Margaret Herring; and her sister, JoAnn Byrum.

In accordance with her wishes and due to pandemic concerns very real to the family, a private memorial service is being held. Next spring, a memorial celebration service on the farm will be announced by the family for all friends and family to gather and experience the farm and the memorial gardens that will be established in her honor.

In observance of their recent visits and confinement at Obici with their “MeMe”, the family, in consideration of everyone’s wellbeing, is asking that food, flowers, and visits to the home be omitted at this time. For those who wish to remember Elaine, the family would appreciate any contributions be made to “Laney’s Legacy”, a fund established for the purpose of supporting the development of a garden in her memory on the family farm. Those contributions may be sent to: SECU, P.O. Box 4, Gatesville, NC 27938, Attn: Leanna Tyler or contributed online using the Go Fund Me link to Laney’s Legacy, https://gf.me/u/x8gjjx.

The family would also like to offer heartfelt thanks to all the doctors, nurses and caregivers at Obici, Virginia Oncology Associates, and in her final days in hospice who provided her exceptional care throughout her battle.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.