Mary Hilda Thompson Herring, 97, of Pensacola, FL passed away peacefully on October 5, 2020 at her daughter Faye's home in Fort Collins, CO.

Hilda was born on April 9, 1923 in Hallsboro, NC to William Avery Thompson and Mildred Ada Carpenter. Hilda resided in Hallsboro, NC until she matriculated into Greensboro College, Greensboro, NC, graduating with a BA in Math in 1944. She continued her postgraduate education and received her Medical Technologist Certification at Duke University, School of Medical Technology. Subsequently, she worked at Duke Hospital where she met Howard E. Herring, Jr. They married in December 1947 in Duke University Chapel. They later moved to New York City where Hilda worked in Bellevue Hospital, Cornell Division research lab with Dr. Larry Hanlon investigating salt substitutes used with heart patients. Their first son was born in New York City. Hilda then followed Howard's USAF Medical Corps career to Brookley AFB, Mobile, AL where their second son was born. Their next move was to Nouasser AFB, Casablanca, French Morocco. This adventure began by setting sail with 2 young sons on the USS Constitution. Hilda had fond memories of their time living in French Morocco. Shortly after returning to the US to Durham, NC and Duke, they had their third son. In September 1953 they moved to Pensacola, FL to raise their family, establish a home and her husband's medical practice. Hilda lived most of her life in Pensacola, raising their six children and being a dear friend to many.

From tomboy to tap dancer, basketball player to May Queen, Hilda was stately, tall, and elegant, a lady full of grace, wit, and charm. She was athletic, adventurous, creative, and fun. She was a member of the Pensacola Country Club Ladies' Golf Association and the PCC Tennis Team. She had a discerning competitive side, as anyone knew who played bridge, golf, or tennis with her! She was a life-long learner and well-read, a wordsmith, a master of scrabble, crossword puzzles and the English language. She loved people, nature, art, theatre, and music and she played a mean piano! She enjoyed her family and friends and most of all her wonderful children and their families. We miss her thoughtful kind generous spirit, her great sense of humor and dry wit, her giggle and her smile that lit up a room.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 65 years, Howard E. Herring, Jr, MD; her son, William Timothy "Tim" Herring; and three brothers, William, James, and Harold Thompson.

She is survived by her children, Richard Brant (Susan), Howard Douglas "Doug", Jonathan "Jon" Michael, Elizabeth "Faye" Kirk (Doug), and David Brian; daughter-in-law, Victoria; eight grandchildren, Richard "Rick" Brant II (Barbara), Daniel "Scott" (Catherine), Ashley Susanne Aeppli (Ian), Jonathan "Jon" Douglas (Lea), Rachel Morgan Caring (Drew), Howard "Logan", Jessica Maree, and Sarah Elizabeth Kirk; as well as ten great-grandchildren, Brant, Audrey, Jackson, Isla, River, Arlo, Anthony, Mikaela, Carter, Olivia.

The family will receive friends from 12:00noon until 2:00pm on Friday, April 16, 2021 at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel. A private family graveside service will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pensacola State College Foundation - Herring, Williams, or Warrington Methodist Endowed Scholarship, 1000 College Blvd., Pensacola, FL 32504 or to Duke University Foundation, Durham, NC 27708.