ABEL HERNDON

Dr. Abel E. Herndon, affectionately known as “Doc,” departed this life on Monday, August 19, 2024.

Abel was born on January 17, 1954, in Flint, Michigan, to the late Joseph Herndon of Flint, Michigan and the late Fannie Steadman of Portsmouth/Churchland, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his parents and stepmother, Lula Belle Herndon.

Abel attended Southwestern High School in Flint, where he excelled in football, earning a full scholarship to Kettering University, School of Engineering. His educational journey took a new direction when he chose to enlist in the United States Marine Corps, where he served honorably as a Jet Mechanic and Aircraft Crew Chief (1973-1984).

After his military service, Abel made California his lasting home and pursued higher education. He earned a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree from the Cleveland Chiropractic Institute in Los Angeles and a Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from the American College of Law in Anaheim. A man of many talents with a monumental thirst for knowledge, Abel proudly opened and operated his own chiropractic medical practice, where he further enriched the lives of his community by teaching himself Spanish to better serve the vast Latino population. Despite his busy professional life, he cherished spending summers with relatives in North Carolina and Virginia.

Abel leaves to cherish his memory two children: Jonathan (Quisha) Herndon, USAF, of Washington, DC/Maryland, and Crystal Herndon of California. He is also survived by his siblings: Linwood (Fatima) Kittrell of North Carolina, Benjamin (Judy) Harris of North Carolina, Carrie R. Martin of Virginia, Magdalene (Earl) Watson of South Carolina, James R. Steadman of Virginia, and David T. Steadman of California. He is survived by six close stepsisters: Gwendolyn Cooper, Peggy (Larry) Taylor, Elmira Collins, Naomi Alexander, Gloria Huddleston, and Sylvia Gibson. Abel was a proud grandfather to four grandchildren: Sasha Grace, Eliora, Isaiah, and Melody.

He will be fondly remembered by a host of nieces and nephews, including his special niece, Amanda Martin. Abel’s memory will also be cherished by a host of cousins, including Ferber Herndon, Rev. Warren Herndon, Wadell Herndon, Willma “Vicky” Herndon, and Vivian Herndon-Latta, along with other relatives and caring friends. Special mention goes to his former church, Starlight Baptist Church (Pastor Anatol Ford, Jr.), Bro. Andrew Wilson, and church secretary, Daisy Whitehead.

Abel’s legacy of love, dedication, and service will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him. The family would like to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to all of Abel’s family and friends for their love, monetary donations, thoughts, prayers, and emotional support during this difficult time. As we celebrate his life and cherish the memories of our beloved father, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, your kindness has provided immense comfort.

Revelations 21:4; John 3:16