Ellen Elizabeth (Sawyer) Herring

Ellen Elizabeth Sawyer Herring, 76, of Clayton, passed away, Friday, October 31, 2025 at her home in Clayton, NC. 

Ellen was born September 6, 1949 in Washington County, NC to the late John Wilbert Sawyer and Iva Dean Jethro Sawyer.  In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by many beloved members of the Jethro, Sawyer, Savage and Herring families.

She was a 1967 graduate of Plymouth High School and attended business school in Raleigh.   Ellen was VP of Sales for TNI Inc., and later a long-term employee for Vishay from where she retired.  She was a faithful member of Garner Church of God where she served as a dedicated Sunday school teacher.  Ellen loved to travel and was known as the “planner” for many trips with family and friends.  Family was a priority, and she never missed an opportunity to let them know how much she loved them.  She will be greatly missed and forever loved by all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Larry Council Herring; son, Larry Christopher Herring (Barbara); daughter, Amy Elizabeth Herring Branch (Joel); grandchildren, Brandon Barbour, Matthew Herring, Sarah Branch Carlisle (Tyler),  Lydia Branch House (George), Joshua Herring (Andrea), Anna Grace Branch, Jadyn Elizabeth Herring; great grandchild, Amelia Elizabeth Carlisle; sister, Denise Sawyer Venable (Dr. Bob Venable); brothers, Wayne Sawyer (Mainor), Russell Sawyer, and Johnny Sawyer (Kim); sister-in-law, Kathy Herring Parks (Joe); brother-in-law, Francis Madigan; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews of the Jethro, Sawyer, Savage and Herring families.   

A funeral service to honor and celebrate Ellen’s life will be held 3pm Monday, November 3, 2025 at Garner Church of God, 2208 Benson Road, Garner, NC 27529.  The family will receive friends 1:30 pm – 2:45 pm prior to the service at the church.  A graveside service will be held 1pm Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at Hillside Memorial Gardens, Plymouth, NC.  Rev. JD Hudson, Rev. Johnny Sawyer, Rev. Jeffrey Person and Rev. Ed Branch will be officiating services. 

Memorials may be made in her honor to Garner Church of God, 2208 Benson Road, Garner, NC 27529.        

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