Virginia Updike Herndon

Virginia (Jinny) was born on December 29, 1922 in Trenton, New Jersey to the late A. R. and Mildred Updike and first moved to Sebring and then to Lake Wales, Florida in 1941. She graduated from Sebring High School in 1940 and went on to Florida State College for Women (now FSU) graduating in 1945. Before graduating from college, she married the love of her life Horace F. Herndon. Horace and Jinny were married for seventy years and during that time together they were blessed with three children, six grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren. Jinny was an active member at the First Presbyterian Church where she taught Sunday School, was member of Prayer and
Care Committee, piano accompanist, a member of Worship and Visitation Committees, helped with the MOPS program, Treasurer of WOC, and founding member of the AAUW. Known as the "Rose Lady", her passion was to visit shut-ins and bring them fresh cut roses from her garden. Her top priority being her family, she created a nurturing environment and set an example for the generations to come. She was a devout Christian and truly lived each day in faith. She believed and counted on God to bring her through some of the darkest times and in many cases she was the light of encouragement for those around her. She always put others first before tending to her own needs. She was selfless in that way. Our Grandmother, "Monnie, "MamaNinny," genuinely loved us for who we are individually and treasured the time she spent with each of us. There was nothing that could distract her when she was engaged in the moments she shared with us. She was a treasure not only to her family, but to the community. Even though are hearts are heavy, our cherished memories will bring us joy as we press forward and pass on the legacy of her beautiful life.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Horace F. Herndon, son, Phillip L. Herndon, brothers Arch and John Updike.

She is survived by her daughters Ann H. Adkinson and husband Bill of Lake Wales; Jane H. Goff and husband Ken of Lake Wales; daughter-in-law, Patricia S. Herndon of Winter Haven; her six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren include Brad Herndon and wife Ashley, their son Walter Lee; Susannah (Herndon) Peddie and husband Brian, their son Phillip; Scott Herndon and wife Lisa, their daughter Virginia; Jinny Goff and her daughter Audrey; Ann (Goff) Tomkinson and husband Doug, their daughters Sarah and Gwendolyn; Larkin (Goff) Smith and husband Josh, their children Ellie and Colton.

A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Lake Wales at 11:00 am on Monday, July 13, 2015.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the First Presbyterian Church or to Vitas Hospice Lakeland.