Annie Herron

Annie Lou Herron, age 80, entered into eternal life on February 24, 2021. Annie Lou loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and her family. Annie Lou was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on September 15, 1940 to Chester Kayton Bell, Sr. and Mary Catherine Deaton Bell. She was known for her outgoing personality and entertaining sense of humor. Annie Lou graduated from Holt High School in 1959, where her senior classmates voted her Most Popular. Her senior quote for the yearbook was "Born to talk and talk I will."

Annie Lou was married to Reverend Charles E. Herron for 58 years. Annie Lou and Charles enjoyed traveling and they organized and led several church delegations to the Holy Land. Annie Lou enjoyed sharing stories about standing at the site where Jesus was born, church services on the Sea of Galilee, and experiencing The Garden Tomb of Jesus. However, her greatest stories were the baptisms she witnessed in the River Jordan. Annie Lou and Charles' trips would include visits to Israel, Jordan, Petra, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Egypt, and side trips to Greece, Italy and Paris.

Annie Lou was an entrepreneur and started He is Lord Books & Gifts in Tuscaloosa. She grew the company to become one of the most recognizable Christian stores in Alabama for two decades. She loved her customers and they loved her. He is Lord Books & Gifts was both a business and a ministry to Annie Lou. In 2000, Annie Lou sold the business to Family Christian Stores, headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, which was the largest Christian retail company in the United States with 356 stores in 39 states. Annie Lou retired (for the first time) to her home on Lake Tuscaloosa and spent her days gardening, enjoying the lake, opening her home to family and friends, keeping her grandchildren as often as possible, and cheering for Alabama football. She was able to attend six of Alabama's National Championship games.

Annie Lou was involved in civic and community activities and was active for many years in the Clara Blackman - Order of the Eastern Star where she served a term as the Grand Matron. The service organization collects food for those in need, donates school supplies, raises money for medical research for cancer, and supports scholarship programs for future pastors and other religious leaders.

Annie Lou was preceded in death by her father, Chester K. Bell, Sr.; her mother, Mary Catherine Jones; and her brother, Sammy B. Bell (Jean). Survivors include her husband, Charles Elbert Herron; three children, Charles Keith Herron (Kelly), Kevin Elbert Herron (Christy), and Kristy Sue Herron (Jay); seven grandchildren, Brittany Nichole Price, Patrick Bryant Holley, Charles Keith Herron, Jr., William Sims Herron, Caroline Elizabeth Herron, Alexa Grace Herron, and Caden Mathew Herron; one great-grandchild, Marlie Sue Price; and her brother, Chester K. Bell, Jr. (Sylvia).

Annie Lou was a Godly woman and an incredibly strong woman. She left a legacy to her family and friends of God's amazing love and grace. Her life was well-lived and serves as an example for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild that will lead them for the rest of their lives.

Due to the COVID virus, the family will have a private burial service next week with Magnolia Chapel South directing. A Celebration of Life service will take place in April or May 2021 and announced as soon as possible.

Flowers may be sent to Magnolia Chapel South for the private service next week.