With deep love, gratitude, and abiding faith in the eternal promises of God, we come together to celebrate the life and divine legacy of Reverend Alexander Berwyn Herring—a devoted servant of the Most High, a loving father, a cherished brother, a wise mentor, an inspiring educator, a faithful pastor, and a steadfast community leader.

Born on October 4, 1964, in Watha, North Carolina, Reverend Herring was the youngest of five children born to the late Mr. James T. Herring, Sr., and Mrs. Alice B. Herring. In the nurturing embrace of a family rooted in faith and strong moral values, Alexander journeyed through life touched by a profound commitment to service, education, and ministry. His earthly pilgrimage was marked by a heart attuned to the needs of others and a spirit aflame with the desire to uplift souls.

His formal education blossomed within the Pender County Public School System, culminating in his graduation from Pender High School in 1982. He then pursued higher learning at Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice in 1989. At Shaw, he lifted his voice in the Gospel Choir, took on vital roles in the Student Government Association, and was initiated into the brotherhood of the Delta Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., in the spring of 1987. These experiences laid the foundation for a life dedicated to leadership, fellowship, and spiritual growth.

Reverend Herring’s soul was especially devoted to nurturing young hearts and minds. His years as an Institutional Teacher with the Department of Juvenile Justice in New York City stand as a testament to his commitment to transforming lives, guiding countless young people from paths of struggle to hope. His service extended beyond the classroom, as he answered the call to defend and serve in the United States Army Reserves for eight years, embodying discipline and unwavering dedication.

In 1994, led by a divine call to ministry, Reverend Herring embraced his sacred mission. Ordained in January 1996, he shepherded God’s flock with compassion and wisdom as senior pastor at several beloved congregations: Timberlake Grove Baptist Church in Louisburg, Juniper Level Baptist Church in Raleigh, Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Goldsboro, and Providence Baptist Church in Rockingham, all in North Carolina. Through his preaching, teaching, and presence, he sowed seeds of faith that will continue to bear fruit in eternal fields.

Though he has left this earthly realm on June 1, 2026, his spirit shines eternally. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, James Telfair and Alice Bell Herring. The light of his memory is kept luminous by those who survive him—his precious children, Destini Addia Herring and Kyle Alexander Herring; his devoted sisters, Mariam Herring and Portia Newkirk (Samuel); his loving brothers, James Herring, Jr. and Kelvin Herring (Retha); and those he embraced as younger siblings, his niece and nephew Bridgett Herring and La’Frederick Herring, Sr. (Velda). The family circle broadens further to include nieces Natalya Newkirk and Adrienne Herring, nephews Brandon Newkirk, Lathan Newkirk, and Trevor Newkirk; great-nieces La’Teja Herring, Lakayla Herring, and Aiyanna Williams; great-nephew La’Frederick Herring, Jr.; beloved Godsons Fedric Joaquinn Carr, Christopher Grant, Alexander Grant, and Richard Newton, Jr.; and countless cousins, friends, and fraternity brothers who held him in their hearts with immense love.

Reverend Alexander B. Herring’s existence was a living testament to the power of giving and the boundless nature of love. Though his earthly form has passed, the seeds of kindness and faith which he planted continue to flourish, echoing eternally. His spirit invites us all to embrace the sacred act of blessing others, for flowers may fade, but the impact of giving endures forever.

We invite those whose hearts are stirred to honor his memory through acts of kindness and support for the institutions dear to him: his alma mater, Shaw University General Scholarship Fund, and Transitions LifeCare Hospice, both sanctuaries of hope and healing.

Visitation will be held on June 12, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Dunn Funeral Home and Cremation Services, located at 810 W Wilmington St, Burgaw, NC 28425. On June 13, 2026, the community will gather for a viewing from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 3:00 PM until 4:00 PM at the Middle District Missionary Baptist Association, 1821 North Carolina 53, Burgaw, NC 28425.

May the peace that surpasses all understanding guard the hearts of all who loved him, and may his soul rest now in the everlasting arms of the Divine. Reverend Alexander Herring’s journey on this earth has ended, but his eternal light shines steadily, guiding us onward with faith, hope, and love. Amen.