JOHNSTON – Mrs. Jewell H. Herlong, age 88, a native of Johnston, died May 17, 2012 at Saluda Nursing Center. She was a daughter of the late Horace G. and Ora H. Holmes.

Funeral services for Mrs. Herlong will be held Monday, May 21, 2012 beginning with an interment service at 3 p.m. at Harmony United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends following the committal and will gather in the sanctuary of the church for a Celebration of Life service at 4 p.m.

Mrs. Herlong was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker. She attended Winthrop College until her childhood love was called to serve in WWII. She and “Big John” were faithful members of Harmony United Methodist Church all of their 63 years of marriage. For many years, Mrs. Herlong was diligent in helping young mothers by keeping their children in the church nursery during Sunday worship services. “Mama Jewell”, as she was affectionately called by her grandchildren and others, was a wonderful cook and provided many memorable meals around her Sunday table. She blessed many others in the community with her unconditional love and good food. Her hallmark statements in the latter years of Alzheimer’s disease were, “You’re wonderful”, “Thank you”, and “I love you”.

Survivors include her sons: John Stanley Herlong (Pam), Batesburg; Thomas Holmes Herlong (Jane), Johnston; a daughter: Dianne McClendon (Ralph), Saluda; seven grandchildren: Danny Herlong (Jennifer); John Herlong (Anna); Patrick McClendon (Julie); Tara Berry (Chad); Amanda VanScyoc (Bob); Holmes and Caroline Herlong; and thirteen great grandchildren: Jamie, David, and Jewel Herlong; Sebastian and Toby Herlong; Emma and Anna McClendon; Alex, Zac, and Sarah Catherine Berry; Taylor Jackson and Hannah and Joseph VanScyoc. She was preceeded in death by her husband, brother, H. G. Holmes, Jr. and sister, Frances H. Bell.

The family wants to thank the staff of Emerald Gardens in Greenwood for their dedication and loving and gentle care of our mother and grandmother. You’re the best!

We would also like to thank the staff of the Saluda Nursing Home, Riley Unit, for their care of our mother during her last days.

Memorials may be made to Harmony United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 186, Johnston, SC 29832 or Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201.

Bland Funeral Home of Johnston is in charge of arrangements.