Suzonne “Nana” Renee Herring

Affectionately known by her grandchildren as “Nana,” Suzonne Renee Herring brought light, love, and laughter to all who knew her. Born on May 20, 1943, in Big Spring, Texas, Suzonne was the daughter of Abe Benton and Nettie Davidson Benton. Although not her birth father, she was lovingly raised by her bonus father, Edward Biggins. Suzonne served as a dedicated cafeteria manager with the Lubbock Independent School District for over 21 years and later with St. Mary’s Hospital for another 15 years until her retirement.

On August 3, 1957, Suzonne married the love of her life, Alton Herring, at 25th Street Baptist Church in Lubbock, Texas, beginning a partnership filled with faith, devotion, and unwavering love. Together they built a life centered on family, creating a legacy of kindness and care that will live on through the generations.

Suzonne’s hobbies were as vibrant as her personality. She loved gardening and took particular pride in her irises, gladiolas, and rose bushes. These not only brightened her home, but her private recipe born from her work at school, but equally cherished by her family. Her homemade biscuits were legendary and served fresh and warm for countless family meals.

An adventurous spirit, Suzonne enjoyed camping in the mountains, where she created cherished memories around the campfire. Her creativity extended to making scrapbooks- personalized photo albums for each family member that captured their unique journeys. She was also a talented seamstress, sewing wedding dresses for both daughters and her daughter-in-law as well. These were gifts of love that beautifully expressed her thoughtfulness.

Suzonne’s life was marked by her strength of character, her deep faith, and her unwavering love for those around her. She was loving, giving, bubbly, patient, and the most forgiving Christian woman who gave selflessly to all she encountered. Her home was a place of joy and warmth filled with laughter, smells of home-cooked meals, iced tea, and hugs to last a lifetime. She loved unconditionally!

She is survived by her loving, devoted, and faithful husband of over 67 years, Alton Herring of Shallowater; Susan (Brian) Barkley of Plainview, Wayne (Anna) Herring of Lubbock, Karen (Bruce) Beal of Lubbock; as well as her most beloved grandchildren: Brandon (Whitney) Beal, Kryst’n ( Tyler) King, Edward Barkley, and David Barkley. Suzonne’s legacy continues in her great-granddaughters, Rylee King and Kimber King, who were the light of her life in later years.

She was preceded in death by her father Abe Benton; her mother, Nettie Biggins; her bonus father, Edward Biggins; her siblings, Geraldine Hoffman, Roxie Edwards, Raymond Benton, Don Benton, and Bruce Benton.

Suzonne’s life will be celebrated by all who knew and loved her. Her unwavering love, enduring faith and gentle spirit will remain forever in our hearts. May her memory be a blessing and her legacy of love continue to inspire us all.

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Suzonne "Nana" Renee Herring, please visit our Tribute Store.