Mrs. Cleo "Jackie" (Hines) Herron

DEERFIELD BEACH, FL – Mrs. Cleo "Jackie" (Hines) Herron was a beloved grandmother, mother, and wife during her incredible 88 years of life. She transitioned from labor to reward Sunday, August 20, 2023, at her home in Deerfield Beach, Florida, surrounded by her loving family. Born September 27, 1934, to Willie Hines and Essie M. Belcher-Hines, Cleo lived a blessed life while growing up in Samson, Alabama. She often spent summers and holidays visiting her siblings and cousins in both Alabama and Florida. A lover of learning, she graduated valedictorian of E.J. Lewis High School and went on to attend Alabama State College. She soon undertook employment with Cape Canaveral Space Center, currently known as Cape Kennedy Space Center, in Merritt Island, Florida. Upon leaving the South in 1960, Cleo relocated to Utica, New York. In 1966, she entered into a career at the Utica Psychiatric Center, where she became a Certified Dietary Manager. On April 4, 1980, the Lord saw fit that she be joined in holy matrimony with the late Robert Herron, Sr: with whom she remained wedded to until his passing in 2022. Cleo served at the Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center for nearly 25 years until her retirement as a Dietitian Supervisor in 1990. Yet, this did not lead to immediate rest, as she in turn opened her Miller Street home to provide daycare to her grandchildren and other community members; with a special spot in her heart for Sabrina's son, Bryan Patterson, Jr. Being raised in the fear and admonition of the Lord, never forgetting to assemble herself, she was a faithful member of Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church until 2001 when she migrated to sister church New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church (Whitesboro, NY), where she served as Trustee and Mother of the church. Continuing her studies even as a senior, and ever strengthening her faith, she attended and graduated from Bethel Bible School. And when she decided to leave the cold winters of New York and return to the sunshine state of Florida, she remained steadfast joining Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church (Deerfield Beach, FL.) under the tutelage of Sr. Pastor Demetric Ford. Cleo's firm belief in God guided her steps, and she lived her life with faith filled discipline and humility. She was strong-willed and stubborn at times, but she also had an enormous heart and a playful sense of humor. She was clever and full to the brim with knowledge gained through all of her life experiences, fishing, cooking, reading, and singing. She loved word search puzzles, watching sports - especially basketball, and church plays. She will be remembered for her amazing soul food, perfect pound cakes, and unconditional love. Cleo leaves to cherish her memories and celebrate her life three children, Rev. Leonard R. Himes (Diane), Rev. Veronica Nevith, Kimberly Nevith Mungo (significant other Donny Sims), and Cheryl Brooks (step-daughter); grandchildren, Kenneth II (Lashanda), Tinisha, Olivia, Kelsey, Ada, Leonard, Jr. (Jess), Demetris, Toniese, Donovan, Aysha ("Kei"), Ray, Jr., D'Ondre, Mariah, Rahmari and Rahkim; sisters, Dorothy Gilmore of Utica, Mary Lois, Edna, and Jean of Florida; godsons, Pastor Jerret "JC” Fite (Andrea) of North Carolina, and Darkeise Kyles; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and church families; along with her special fishing buddy in Florida, Sister Alberta, and in Utica, Diane. She was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Robert L. Herron; son, Rev. Kenneth R. Himes; stepson, Robert Garrett; grandchildren, Antoine, and Tatiyanna; and siblings, Mary Price, Deacon Moses Hines, Sr., Willie Sistrunk, Willie Jean "Punch" Hines, Marvin Hines, Doris Governor and Angie Ruth. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all who expressed their sympathy in the passing of their beloved Cleo; for the care given during her brief stay at Broward Health North; and for the love and encouragement from their Bethlehem family, neighbors, acquaintances, and friends. May God richly bless all of you. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, 1108 Court St., Utica. Cleo’s Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will commence at 11:00 a.m. at the church immediately upon conclusion of visitation. The family graciously accepts floral offerings. For those unable to attend, you may be present virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85129291399. Interment will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery.

Mrs. Cleo "Jackie" (Hines) Herron

September 27, 1934 - August 20, 2023