Viola McGirt Herndon, 80, of Lumberton, NC, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2025, at her home on Herndon Circle with family and friends by her side. She was born on March 11, 1945, to the late Danny Hugh McGirt and Mattie Bell Clark McGirt.

Viola was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Henry Herndon, who passed on October 28, 1997. She was also preceded in death by siblings, James Howard McGirt, Dovie McGirt-Johnson, Carl Ledford McGirt, Barnie Hugh McGirt, and Annie McGirt-St. Martin.

She is survived by her siblings, David McGirt, Doris McGirt-Worley, and Edward McGirt. She leaves behind her children: John Herndon, Lorie Herndon, Michael Herndon, Chad Herndon (wife, Sheri Dial Herndon), and stepson Talford Jacobs (wife, Carolyn Brewer Jacobs). Viola was the proud grandmother of 15 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews and her softball family that she loved like her own.

Viola was known for her generous spirit and her love of cooking. Her kitchen and home were always open, and she welcomed everyone as if they were her own family. She built a legacy of kindness, warmth, and love that will continue to live on through the many lives she touched.
She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.