Lucretia Ann “Lu Ann” Brigman Herring

RALEIGH - Lucretia Ann "Lu Ann" Brigman Herring was a gift given to Nora Gertrude "Trudy" and James Edward Brigman on December 31, 1953, in Rocky Mount, NC, on the heels of the couple's twentieth wedding anniversary. She brought new joy and a zest for life to the new family of four, including her sister, Betty Rose, who was 16 at the time. Beginning her life in the family home, she soon moved to Florence, SC, where she spent most of her formative years, attended First Baptist Church, gave her life to Jesus, treasured time in their picturesque yard with her daddy and learned the importance of Sunday school from her mother. After graduating high school, she and her parents moved back to the family home in Rocky Mount where Lu Ann graduated from Wesleyan University, receiving a bachelor's degree in Psychology in just three years; joined First Baptist Church where she served in the sign language ministry; and enjoyed being an aunt to her new baby niece. She had gleaned a love of studying from her mother, inherited a penchant for the joyful humors of life from her father and established herself as a kind-hearted, open-armed, intelligent and persevering young woman. Following her graduation, Lu Ann began what would become an accomplished leadership career in personal banking; met her faithful husband of 40 years, Romie Lee Herring; and settled down in Raleigh. A spirited coach and constant encourager by nature, she found her passion not only in serving customers and launching award-winning campaigns but through managing staff and eventually overseeing over 20 branch managers throughout Raleigh at the Bank of America, where she worked until retirement. Beyond her financial advice and prowess, Lu Ann considered her greatest investments to be those that grew and strengthened the people around her. Not one for the spotlight of center stage, she was "the wizard behind the curtain," spurring others on, leading them forward and celebrating their successes instead of her own. She had a gift for seeing and sharpening the potential in those around her, developing impactful relationships and building confidence that inspired others to be and do better. These gifts were also displayed outside the workplace through her leadership with CRU's Priority & Associates where she mentored young business women, uplifting them spiritually and professionally. Her heart to sow seeds into younger generations was also evident as she taught young couples Sunday school classes and poured herself into the lives of her niece and nephews-a constant cheerleader and foundation for them. She led not only with teachings and textbooks but also with action, going on mission trips, caregiving for her father and mother, being a cheerful giver to missions work, participating in Bible studies and opening her home with her husband for seminary students. She obeyed the Scriptures "…encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone"; and she embodied the verse, "let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Lu Ann is survived by her husband, Romie Lee Herring, of Raleigh, NC; sister, Betty Rose Winstead and brother-in-law, Rudolph Winstead (of Nashville, NC); niece, Celeste Winstead (of Nashville, TN); sister-in-law, Susan Ayers, of Atlanta, GA; nephew Jeff Ayers and Randy Fulford, of Atlanta, GA; brother-in-law Sam Herring and sister-in-law Elisa Herring, of Winterville, NC; nephew Davis Herring, of Birmingham, AL, along with countless lives that will continue to be made richer by the eternal impact of her selfless life well-lived. Always an advisor to save, tithe and invest, her own contributions into the lives of all who knew her will continue to compound in ways, seen and unseen, for eternity. A Private Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 1:00 PM at Pineview Cemetery. A visitation with the family will follow the service at the graveside. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the family is requesting the need for social distancing and wearing of masks due to health concerns faced around our nation at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Lu Ann's memory to Dementia Alliance of NC, 9131 Anson Way, Raleigh, NC 27615. Visitation Pineview Cemetery 761 N. Raleigh Road Rocky Mount, NC 27801 Thursday 1/21, 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm A visitation with the family will follow the service at the graveside. Service Pineview Cemetery 761 N. Raleigh Road Rocky Mount, NC 27801 Thursday 1/21, 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm A Private Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 1:00 PM at Pineview Cemetery. Cemetery Pineview Cemetery 761 N. Raleigh Road Rocky Mount, NC 27801 Thursday 1/21, 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm A Private Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 1:00 PM at Pineview Cemetery.