Wilma Martin Herring

​Wilma Gray Martin Herring, formerly of Warsaw NC, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2026 at the age of 95.  Wilma was born on Sept 2, 1930 to the late Irene Boney Martin and Irven Vance Martin.   Wilma (Wilma Gray when she was in “trouble” with her brothers”) was known for her determination, resilience and strength.  She faced life’s challenges with courage and grace, never backing down from hard work or adversity.  Throughout her life, Wilma devoted herself to caring for others, selflessly giving her time, energy and love to family, friends and her community.  
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Wilma married Melvin Herring on June 17, 1949.  Wilma and Melvin were integral members of Unity Methodist Church where Wilma served as the church pianist for many years. She was the planning force behind many events and programs at Unity: BBQ plate fundraisers, homecoming dinners, women’s teas, VBS, Easter egg hunts, and the church’s Backpack Buddy program.  
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Wilma was the owner of The Drapery House and was proud to have made window treatments for countless homes in Duplin County and the surrounding area.  Her work was featured in Colonial Homes magazine and once graced the rooms of the NC Governor’s Mansion.

Never one to take it easy, when she wasn’t designing and making draperies, she was helping Melvin run the farm.  In her “spare” time she was growing gorgeous ferns, tending to her flowers and garden, canning and freezing enough food to feed the county, assisting the elderly and shut ins in the community, and working at her brother Bobby’s store, The Florist at Warsaw.  
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Once she moved to an assisted living environment, Wilma quickly immersed herself into her new extended family, leading morning prayer and daily exercise while proudly serving as her community’s Resident Ambassador.  

Wilma juggled many roles, but the ones she mastered most of all were Mama, Grandma, Nana, and MeMe. She was the surrogate mother to many in her community, Mama Wilma to many who were unrelated to her and Aunt Wilma to anyone with even a smidgen of shared DNA.   
Wilma was predeceased by her husband Oscar Melvin Herring, Sr., an infant son Tony Lee Herring, son Danny Ray Herring, daughter-in-laws Shirley Edwards Herring and Lori Strickland Herring, son-in-law Douglas Kent Bettenhausen, brothers William (WC) Martin and Bobby Ray Martin.  
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She is survived by son Mel Herring, and daughter Sandra Bettenhausen; grandchildren Danna Westerbeek & husband Kraig, Toni DeVane & husband Clay, Jonathan Bettenhausen & wife Laura,  Allie Bettenhausen, Heather Catlin & husband Bryan; Great-grandchildren Kyndall Marshburn & husband Carries, Kari Roberts & husband Brady, Kelli Westerbeek (friend Isaiah) Karsyn Westerbeek (friend Mack), Cate, Claire & Carter DeVane, Kaile, Paisley, & Eliza Catlin;  great-great-granddaughter Leighton Marshburn, one joyfully anticipated great-great-granddaughter Willa Grace Roberts (due in October); brother Irven (Marty) Martin & wife Betsy; sister-in-laws Colleen Martin and Virginia Herring; daughter-in-law Bunny Herring and many dear nieces and nephews.   Wilma is also survived by her best friend forever, Mary Lou Hoy, proving you are never too old to make a new best friend.  
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The family will receive visitors on Monday, June 29 at 1pm at the Unity Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 1760 W. Wards Bridge Rd., Warsaw, NC. A funeral service will follow at 2:30 in the church sanctuary, with burial immediately afterward at Pinecrest Cemetery in Warsaw.
Because of Wilma’s love of gardening, flowers are encouraged, but donations in her memory may also be made to Unity Methodist Church, c/o Shirley Byrd, 1229 Bowdens Rd, Warsaw, NC 28398.

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