Vernon Mack Herron

Rev. Dr. Vernon Mack Herron was born in Charlotte, North Carolina October 7, 1928 and died May 16, 2015. Vernon was the fourth child of the late Samuel Joe Herron, Sr. and the former Mamie Grace (McPherson) Harris. Both parents preceded him in death as well as five brothers, Robert, Alonzo, Samuel Jr. Herron, James and Willie Harris; and four sisters, Arlene, Eloise, Curtis, and Jessie Maye Herron. "Vernon Mack," as he is affectionately called, received his elementary and secondary education in Charlotte public schools. He attended Myers Street and Second Ward High schools. His initial religious education was obtained through the Ebenezer Baptist Church where he received the believer's baptism. After sixty five years of membership in the Ebenezer Baptist Church, Vernon united with the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 9 October 2005. Dr. Herron was an active civil rights leader who marched with Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. in 1965 from Selma to Montgomery, AL. He completed his undergraduate study at Shaw University in Raleigh; the Master of Public Administration degree (MPA) from the Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA; and Master of Divinity degree (M. Div.) from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte. Finally, he received the Doctor of Ministry degree (D. Min.) from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh, PA. Vernon was initiated into the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity through Beta Rho chapter at Shaw University 1950. He became a life member (709) in 1971. For forty-seven years, Vernon was married to the former Louise Christine Oliphant who preceded him in death. To this union three girls were born: Vernease Marcelinia, Leila McPherson, and Frenshetta Louise. Dr. Herron was ordained into the gospel ministry 29 July 1951 and held pastorates in four Baptist Churches: First Baptist Church, Dallas, NC; Hopewell Baptist Church, Jeannette, PA: Friendship Baptist Church, Pittsburgh, PA; and Second Baptist Church, Joliet, IL. He also served as Assistant to the Minister of the Shiloh Baptist Church of South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania after holding membership in the Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Germantown, Pennsylvania. In 1968, Dr. Herron was commissioned a missionary by the former American Baptist Home Mission Society. He served on the national staff of the American Baptist Churches, Board of National Ministries at Valley Forge, PA. He also worked with the Division of Social Justice and Welfare of the National Council of Churches. His missionary work enabled him to travel extensively speaking in Africa, Europe and West Indies. Dr. Herron was a practicing genealogist in his retirement responsible for the identification and marking of numerous slave cemeteries. He is survived by three daughters: Vernease Marcelinia Herron Miller (Keith); his health care giver Leila McPherson Herron Waters; and Phoenix Louise Herron(formerly Frenshetta); three grandchildren: Angelita Marie Wynn, Alexander Herron Waters and Keith D. Miller, II; three great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; and many extended family members and friends. Funeral service will be held at the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 3401 Beatties Ford Rd., Charlotte, NC 28216 on May 22, 2015 at 12 noon. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity will conduct the Omega ceremony at 10:15 am. Visitation will be from 10-12.