Alma Herndon

Alma Francis Walthal Herndon, known as "Poochie," departed this life, Sunday, January 19, 2025. Alma was born in Campbell County, on January 16, 1932, oldest daughter to the late Mattie Morgan Walthall. She joined Hills Creek Baptist Church at the age of 12 years old and attended church and Sunday school every Sunday. In 1952, she married the late Floyd C. Herndon Jr. Together, they had beautiful children, Wanda Faye Herndon, and twins, Donald and Ronald Herndon. Later, in the 60s, Lynchburg had integrated Leggetts Department Store. She was one of the first blacks to be hired as a clerk and later became head of the department. She continued her education at Virginia Theological Seminary College and Phillips Business College for three years. In 1967, Alma went to work for General Electric and retired in 1991. During her time at General Electric, she took courses at Class One Beauty School in Lynchburg, Virginia where she became a cosmetologist. Alma opened her own beauty salon, Friendship Beauty Salon in Rustburg, Virginia. She owned this salon for about three years. She, then decided to move back to Gladys to care for her aging mother, Mattie Payne. During that time, she opened and operated Hidden Treasures, a consignment shop in Altavista, Virginia. Alma has been a people person always, constantly thinking of others less fortunate. During this time, Alma saw the need to help so many children in Greenfield Apartments. She knocked on doors and started a ministry. Every Wednesday evening, she ministered to about 2-15 kids (1996-299). She also felt the need to support children and adults in the Gladys community who were not present in church on Sundays. She knocked on doors and spoke to whomever she could, to discuss the need for Jesus Christ. Alma has always been an encourager. She always believed you could do anything you wanted to do. Her philosophy was, "There is no such thing as failure, failure is when you never try. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." She wanted to continue outreach ministry and became very interested in the big toy drive at Jericho Missionary Chapel in Lynchburg, Virginia. She later joined Jericho Missionary Chapel and served in many ministries to support her community. To cherish her memory, she is survived by her children Ronald Herndon and Donald Herndon (Alvenia), preceded in death by her beautiful daughter Wanda Scott; survived by her grandchildren Jason Scott (Julie), Ashley Turner (Keon), Tia Herndon and Ronald Herndon Jr.; her great grand children Anthony Turner, Kylie Turner, Olivia Scott, Gabriel and Holden Scott. She had three sisters Ivy Herndon (Olander), Dosie Patrick, Barbara Loriece Payne, Thomas Hamlett (Dorsie). A devoted sister-in-law, Gladys Brown. A devoted friend, Fannie Randolph (George). A host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Alma always believed in giving back some of what God had entrusted her with to help others and humanity through her favorite charities (Daily Bread, Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, Stone Mountain Fire Department). Funeral services will be held Sunday, January 26, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Scot Ward's Green Meadow Chapel with Pastor Adrienne Barnes officiating; interment will follow at Green Meadow Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Sunday, January 26, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Rd., Conyers, GA, 770-483-7216.

Alma Herndon

January 16, 1932 - January 19, 2025