Bernie Dean Herfurth

October 14, 1936 - December 31, 2020

A Private Graveside Service for Bernie Dean Herfurth, age 84, of Cullman, was held for the family. She was born Wednesday, October 14, 1936, to Bernie Oneal and Vera Whaley. Bernie Dean Herfurth was called home to the Lord on December 31, 2020. She was preceded in death by her father, Bernie O’Neal Whaley, and her mother, Vera Heatherly. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, William Herfurth; brothers, Verlon Whaley and wife Dot and Randy Heatherly and wife Debbie; sons, Tim Herfurth and wife Sonja, John Herfurth and wife Karen, Andrew Herfurth and wife, Cathy; daughter, Heidi Settles; and grandchildren, Haley, Rana, Hayden, Bailey and Meleah Herfurth, who remember her as Mama. She was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Protestant Church, where she volunteered with the Women’s Guild organizing rummage sales and sending notes of well wishes to sick or grieving church members. In her younger years, she worked as a dental hygienist, a substitute teacher, a daycare worker, and a saleswoman. In her home, she could often be found painting birds and flowers, writing poetry, sewing, playing the piano, and singing, or generously feeding the guests that so often came by to visit, whether it was a friend of 30 years or a young woman selling magazines door to door. Dean loved the Lord and was quick to pray earnestly on behalf of her family and friends, whom she always put before herself. Her voice was gentle and encouraging and her words compassionate and kind. She was, from her soul, immeasurably and unfailingly good — no one ever left her presence heavy-hearted. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to St. John’s Evangelical Protestant Church.