Mozelle Williams Herring of Starkville, Mississippi, went to be with her heavenly Father at the age of 86 on Friday, February 7, 2025, while surrounded by members of her loving family in the home of her daughter and son-in-law. Mozelle is survived by her daughter, Kim Herring Parrott (husband Steve) of Starkville and son, Todd Ashley Herring of Hot Springs, Arkansas; three grandchildren: Joshua Lee Parrott of Livermore, California, Ashleigh Grace Parrott of Memphis, Tennessee, and Natalie Parrott Coats (husband Kenny) of Starkville; and one great-grandson, Harvey Lamar Coats also of Starkville. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Douglas Ashley Herring (Doug), parents Roby Williams and Florence Wolf Williams, and brother, Tommy Parks Williams.
Mozelle was born in Scott County, Mississippi, on Christmas Day, 1938, to the late Roby and Florence Wolf Williams and lived on Line Prairie in the midst of flourishing cotton fields. A 1956 graduate of Morton High School, Mozelle was a majorette and served as drum major her senior year. She also enjoyed playing clarinet in addition to her lifelong love of piano.
Mozelle married her high school sweetheart, Doug, on December 22, 1956, and lived in Jackson where she worked for Fox/Everett, Inc. as a secretary until their first child, Kim, was born. In 1963, they relocated to Starkville when Doug joined Security State Bank. Mozelle became active in Junior Auxiliary, and had their second child, Todd, three years later. She served her family well while living at homes in Harned Hills, on South Montgomery, and later on the family farm of Seven Oaks in Bell School House Community. As empty nesters, Mozelle and Doug lived in Hattiesburg nine years before moving back to Starkville in 2000.
Her strong Christian faith and commitment to hands-on philanthropy and personal development characterized Mozelle’s life. She actively served in Women’s Outreach to International Students at First Baptist Church where she was a member, traveled with the Kindness Foundation to Russia to spread the gospel, and befriended many people in the international student community at Mississippi State University (MSU). She studied French at MSU and completed a rigorous French academic program in France. She and Doug also enjoyed international travel on numerous occasions – often including the family – and the world was Mozelle’s unofficial classroom of learning. She had a passion for other cultures and displayed many pieces from her travels throughout her home, each having a unique story. Mozelle loved cooking, entertaining, and lived out her life sharing kindness with others.
As a grandmother, Mozelle enjoyed supporting the endeavors of her three grandchildren by attending piano/voice recitals, spotted Tennessee walking horse shows, and various sporting events. She enjoyed seeing her family flourish and grow in educational, career, and personal pursuits. Mozelle was an exceptional seamstress, avid reader, and loved keeping up with the news of the day.
The family would like to extend heartfelt appreciation to Mozelle’s physician, Everett McKibben, M.D. and her Gentiva Hospice team, Laura Mitchell, R.N. and Jatra Nashay, N.A., for their compassionate medical care and assistance. They also wish to express gratitude to her loving caregiver, Hattie Kelly, who assisted Steve and Kim in caring for Mozelle in their home.
A Celebration of Life for Mozelle Williams Herring will be held, Saturday, February 15, at New Covenant Church, Starkville, Mississippi. Visitation will be from 1:00 – 2:00 pm with the service immediately following. Burial will be in Oddfellows Cemetery in Starkville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Palmer Home for Children at palmerhome.org, by calling 855.672.5637, or via mail to 800 Baldwin Road S., Lake Cormorant, MS 38641.
