of St. Joseph, MI

January 30, 1925 - May 15, 2020

Service Arrangements are pending at this time.Emma Jean Herndon, 95, of St. Joseph, Michigan passed away Friday, May 15, 2020, at The Whitcomb Senior Living Community in St. Joseph.

Emma Jean was born January 30, 1925 in Newport, Arkansas to Thomas & Dovie (Fuller) Ash. On May 17, 1943 she married Hayden Herndon. Emma Jean Herndon ''showed up'' for life. Whether that was teaching AWANA, Sunday school or being a part of prayer committee. She enjoyed baking for any occasion and you couldn't leave her house without taking a little treat with you. Emma Jean and her husband Hayden owned and operated Herndon's Tasty Grill on Niles Ave. in St. Joseph for many years, retiring in 1973. She worked very hard throughout her life and even into her late 80's was a caretaker for several elderly folks. Emma Jean was a member of First Baptist Church in St. Joseph, and a founding, life-time member of First Baptist Church in Desha, Arkansas.

Our Grandma was more than just a grandmother to us. She helped shape who we are today and always provided unconditional love and support. We won't think of what we didn't get to do or say but rejoice in the memories we have of her. We can rest knowing she is with her Lord and Savior and reunited with her family. We loved her from here to Arkansas and back again. We will meet again.

Emma Jean is survived by her grandchildren-Dana (Scott) Humes, Jeff (Leza) Kirshenbaum, Brooke (Brendan) Gualdoni & Britney (Steve) Burkett; ten great-grandchildren-Michael (Danielle) Humes, Tyler (Alivia Payne) Humes, Nick (Emily Mara) Humes, Frances Lou Gualdoni, Esther Marie Gualdoni, Hunter Hayden Burkett, Colten Stephen Burkett, Grace Lou Burkett, Josh & Halley Kirshenbaum; her son-in-law Moose (June) Bowman; her brother Willis Dean (Joy) Ash of Desha, AR,; her sister Rosie (Ken) Saupe of Brimfield, IL; and numerous nieces & nephews. Emma Jean was preceded in death by her husband Hayden in 1997, her children-Sgt. Thomas Herndon in 1970, Linda Bowman in 2002, Corinda Herndon in 2015, and siblings-Jerald Ash, Arvel Ash & Pauline Stinson.

Graveside services will be Saturday, May 23, 2020 at Oaklawn Cemetery at 10:00am.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, St. Joseph or First Baptist Church, Desha, AR.

We are complying with the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines. Social distancing will be observed at the graveside service.

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