Violet Bryan Herring

Raleigh

Violet Bryan Herring departed the world on March 1, 2019 at Transitions LifeCare in Raleigh. While she came to Raleigh to be with her family, she had resided in Wilmington for several decades.

Violet, known as Vi to family and friends, was born on March 17, 1940 to the late Fannie Harrell Bryan and Joseph Herbert Bryan in Wayne County. A St. Patrick's Day birthday perfectly suited Vi's personality.

Vi is survived by her three adult children, Reginald Griffin (Cary), Nancy Griffin (Raleigh), and Jennifer Robertson (Raleigh), one son-in-law, Paul Robertson (Jennifer), and one daughter-in-law, Amanda Griffin (Reginald). She is also survived by five lovely granddaughters who challenged and delighted her in so many ways - Amy Robertson, Mallory Griffin, Alexa Robertson, Auburn Robertson and Chloe Griffin.

Vi was one of nine children. She is survived by her brother Cecil Bryan and his wife Ellen of Goldsboro. She was preceded in death by her siblings Shelton Bryan, Lindell Bryan, Philip Bryan, Luby Bryan, J.W. Bryan, Margie Mozingo and Aleise Edwards.

Also preceding her in death, her husband Otha Edwin Herring in 2008. Otha was her confidant, best friend, and a surprise later-in-life love who turned out to be her perfect match.

Throughout her life, Vi pursued a career in commercial and residential real estate. This pursuit gave her a great sense of pride and purpose. She loved making deals and getting deals. It was a passion that she shared with her late husband, Otha.

When she wasn't working, Vi enjoyed spending time in her yard gardening. She could lose herself for hours in the beautiful foliage and landscaping of her Falcon Point yard in Wilmington that she tended to with great care.

Vi lived her life unapologetically on her own terms. She was a force of nature in every room she entered. She will be remembered always for her indomitable spirit.

Arrangements for a memorial service in Wilmington will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to: Transitions LifeCare at 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, N.C., 27607.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News and Observer on Mar. 2, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Violet Herring

Sponsored by City of Oaks Cremation.

9 Entries

India Sanders

September 24, 2020

Vi was my best friend in many ways for about a decade because of her ability to tell the truth about any situation even delicate ones that perplexed others. She showed how to live an artist’s life of color, design and passion for life itself. She told me never to be bitter and always look on the bright side. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need even if it means going to ten different stores. Physical issues may hold you back or slow you down but it takes real creativity to move beyond these obstacles. Thank you Vi for your years of advice and friendship, real estate 101 tips, your handmade eyeglass holders, floral arrangements, cooking tips, fashion advice and clothes, relationship and childrearing tips and delicious wine. God bless you! India Sanders

May 7, 2019

The age gap between Vi and myself was large. But I liked her from our first meeting and soon loved her. That laugh should be bottled. She turned me into a flower addict. We spent many hours talking flowers and gardens. She is with me for every plant I grow. She planted the seed, so to speak. I will miss her but will live better with the things she taught me and I will also pass them on as she did. In my eyes, God didn't make a better woman. Love you Vi! Always your friend, Missy C

March 12, 2019

Vi, my mother and I had lots of fun together! She will be sorely missed.
~ Press Edwards

J. T. And Maxine Kelly

March 12, 2019

So sorry to hear about Vis death. Thoughts and prayers are with you. P
Please let us know about the memorial services in Wilmington. We loved us so much.

May Gods Peace be a Blessing to you all.

David Foster

March 6, 2019

Rosa Lee Gay

March 5, 2019

Griff, Nancy, Jennifer, and families,
It is with a heavy heart that I try to find the words to tell you how sorry I was to hear of your beautiful Mom's passing away on March 1. She and Otha were our wonderful neighbors for several years. I am sure she, Otha. and my beloved Len are reliving some of our fun times right now. She was a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day and proved that she could be successful in what was once a man's world. May your fond memories that are etched forever in your hearts sustain you during this time. Please give those five lovely granddaughters a hug from me....I know how proud she was of all of them. I love all of you, Rosa Lee Gay.

Rosa Lee Gay

March 5, 2019

Griff, Nancy, and Jennifer,
It is with a heavy heart that I try to find the words to say how sorry I was to hear of your beautiful Mom's passing away on March 1. She and Otha were wonderful neighbors for several years. I am sure she, Otha and my beloved Len are now reminiscing over our fun times together. She was a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day and proved that a woman could be successful in what was considered a man's world. Please give those five beautiful granddaughters she loved so dearly a big hug for me. May the fond memories etched forever in your hearts sustain you at this time. I love you all. Rosa Lee Gay

March 3, 2019

A Great Friend
When my mother passed away (6-19-15)
She was the first person i called
Her optimism and love of life knew no boundaries
Johnny A Bennett

Terry Bryan Butler

March 2, 2019

My prayers to Griff, Nancy, Jennifer and their families..May God bring you all peace and comfort...Aunt Violet loved life and lived it to the fullest.. Rest in perfect peace

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