Obituary of Irma Ann Herrin

Irma Herrin's Homegoing On April 10, 2018, Irma Ann Brown Herrin, 86, of Bryson City, North Carolina, went on to celebrate her first birthday with Jesus while surrounded by her beloved family. She will always be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and faithful friend. She will also be remembered for her passion for food, love of cooking, and her willingness to share these passions with others. She was known to many as "Mrs. Irma" and "Big Momma", "Charlie". She earned the respect and admiration from many folks through her willingness to feed anyone who was hungry and help anyone who came by her restaurant, the store at Tsali Campground, or her home. Irma was born in Smyrna, Arkansas to Carl and Frances Brown on February 14, 1932. On November 5, 1951, she married Everett Herrin of Gulfport Miss. While raising her five children, she began to pursue a career in cooking, ultimately becoming Chef and Kitchen Manager for the Nantahala Inn and then for the Holiday Inn of Cherokee. She is survived by her brother, Blake Brown of Cherokee County, NC and sisters, June Barefoot of Graham County, NC, and Mary Futch of Arizona; Her five children, Frances (Ronnie) King of Mars Hill, NC; Evelyn Herrin of Bryson City, NC; John (Pat) Herrin of Bryson City, NC; Joseph Herrin of Chapel Hill, NC, and Chris and (Karla DeLeon) Herrin of Phoenix, Arizona. She is also survived by her 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren along with many many dear friends. She is preceded in death by her sisters, Jama Brown, Bett Brown, Jean Jones. Grateful acknowledgement of all her special caregiving friends Brenda Fisher, MaryAnn Byrd, Deb Uhler, and Jenny Hyatt. The funeral service for Irma will be held at Cornerstone Wesleyan Church, 495 Franklin Grove Rd., Bryson City, NC on April 13, 208 at 10:00 am. Rev. Kenny Ball will be officiating. Burial will follow at Lauada Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Cornerstone Wesleyan Thursday, April 12th from 6 to 8 pm. Crisp Funeral Home will be handling the funeral arrangements.