Margaret Helen (Byrd) Herring

Margaret Helen Byrd Herring, 86, of Kinston passed away peacefully on Monday, June 1, 2026 at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro with her daughter, Brenda by her side.

Margaret worked as a cashier with Freshway and Speedway for many years before her retirement. She always gave her customers a friendly and warm welcome and everyone loved her kindness. She never met a stranger and had the sweetest and biggest heart of anyone that the world has ever known.

Margaret loved her grandchildren more than words could ever say. From each and everyone of them: “BEST GRANDMA EVER”.

Margaret is preceded in death by her “Soul Mate” Liveston Herring, her parents, Sam Byrd and Dollie Fussell; two sons, Doug Cox and Kenny Cox; five sisters, Louise Mcphatter, Inez Fields, Marjorie Price, Maziebell Heath, and Hazel Barley; four brothers, James Byrd, Henry Byrd, Edward Byrd and Lynwood Byrd.

Left to cherish her memory is her two daughters, Brenda Thomas and husband Rick of Kinston, Ann Hammond of Pink Hill; one son, Robert Cox and wife Debbie; five grandchildren, Justin Church, Brittany Morgan, Amber Norris and husband T.J., Ben Cox and wife Natalie, and Travis Cox; five  great-grandchildren, Chancelor Church, JJ Boyette, Blake Norris, Thomas Norris and Wesley Cox.

Special thanks to the many nieces and nephews that showed extra care and kindness throughout her lifetime and especially during the last year of her health struggles. Especially David Waller for the extended visits provided during her stay at the nursing home, Roger Cole for the many phone calls just to brighten her day. Tony Pennington for the many phone calls checking on her. Margaret adored her nephews and nieces and loved each one.

A visitation will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  Thursday, June 4, 2026 at Garner Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m.  Friday. June 5, 2026 at Garner Funeral Home with the burial following the service at Pinelawn Memorial Park.

Thank you to all the caregivers especially Caroline Sowers with 3HC, and the whole team with 3HC, and Kitty Askins Hospice Center for giving our mother the care that you did and for giving her the chance to transition with dignity and peace.