Evelyn R. Herrera

Evelyn Ruiz Herrera, 82, of Orlando, Florida stepped into eternity on Sunday, January 14, 2018.

She was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, on June 20, 1935, the daughter of Ramon Ruiz and Lydia Lopez. Although she only had a minimal formal education, she was self-taught, became bilingual, and learned to read and write in English and Spanish. In her late teens she moved to Bridgeport, Connecticut, seeking greater opportunities. It was there that she met her beloved, Gregorio Herrera Martir, were married on November 19, 1955, and with whom she shared 62 years of marriage.

Mother Herrera, as she was affectionately known, stated that she made the most important decision of her life at the age of 52, when she accepted the Lord Jesus Christ into her heart, a decision that altered the course of her life, and eventually her final destination. She often stated that her only regret in life was not having made that decision at a younger age.

Mother Herrera was a caring wife, a loving mother and a doting grandmother. She served faithfully for many years in United Prayer Deliverance Center, and in Lifeline Ministries. She gave many years of dedication and service that often went unnoticed and uncelebrated. She never sought recognition or titles, she only wanted to serve wherever there was a need. Whether she was at the door as a greeter, as an usher at the altar, serving the man or woman of God, or on the cleaning crew, her dedication to the ministry of helps was relentless. Her friendliness and warm smile attracted others, and her greatest joy came from talking to others about Jesus Christ. She often shared her testimony about how He had delivered her from a destructive lifestyle, and gave others a message of hope through the love of Jesus.

Mother Herrera was predeceased by her parents: Ramon Ruiz and Lydia Lopez, her step-mother, Mary Ruiz, and her sister, Nereida Rivera.

Mother Herrera is survived by her husband, Gregorio Herrera Martir; son, Gregory Herrera Sr., daughter, Mary Evelyn Herrera-Calaway, sisters, Lucy Gonzalez and Alba Quiles, brother, Samuel Montalvo, and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, whom she loved very much.

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