Laurawilla Herren

Laurawilla Thomas Herren of Loyall, KY went HOME and was greeted by the loving arms of Jesus, her family and friends on Thursday July 30, 2020 at her residence, after 90 years of life. Laurawilla's journey here began January 31, 1930, in Baxter, KY. Her parents were the late Willard "Buck" Thomas and Viola Muncy Thomas of Loyall. She was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Loyall where she devoted her talents and service in many roles. She loved to sing, go bowling, was a librarian, accountant and loved to read. She had a brilliant mind. She was our walking book of knowledge. Most importantly, she was our Mom. Sadly, while the horrible disease of dementia stole her memories, it did not steal her need for her love of God and books. All she needed she would say was a good book to read. After attending Berea College, she married the late Dock Herren on February 18, 1950, during halftime of a Loyall High School basketball game. She was also preceded in death by her loving sister, Anna "Teetle" Wyatt.

Left to keep her memory alive are her siblings, Billie Rhea Zimmerman of Mystic, CT, and Danny D. Thomas and wife Bette of Brandenburg, KY. She had a special nephew she loved, Edward "Pete" Vowell and wife Barbara.

She lived her dreams through the adventures of her 4 children - they was her life, Rev. Valerie H. Johnson and Michael of Richmond, KY; Douglas Herren and Debbie of Loyall; Candace Herren of Loyall; and Dr. Christopher Herren and wife, Dr. Becky Vawter Herren of London, KY.

She had 6 granddaughters - April Payne (Chris), Ashlee Davis (Mike), Parker Herren, Lily Herren, Alex Herren, and Lucy Herren; 1 great granddaughter, Piper Johnson, and 1 great grandson, Grayson Davis; 1 adopted daughter, Trenna Cornett; special cousins, Jim and Linda Welch of Speedwell, TN; 2 best friends, Wilma Swim and Mary Beth Till; 3 compassionate caregivers, Brandy Griffey, Tammy Hall, and Kathy Osborne; 1 special granddog, Lizzie; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Due to restrictions of Covid-19 the family has chosen to honor their mother in a private service to be held at the Anderson-Laws & Jones Funeral Home. Private Burial will be held in the Resthaven Cemetery at Keith, KY. Rev. Scott Hyden will officiate those services.

The family requests in lieu of flowers to make memorials to Bluegrass Hospice Care, 2972 S. US Highway 25E, Barbourville, KY 40906 , they extended excellent care during her journey. Memorials can also be made to the Harlan Co. Public Library 107 N. 3rd Street, Harlan, KY 40831 for books and supplies, because of her love of reading and the joy from visits from the Bookmobile brought her over the years.

Please feel free to leave a condolence, memory, or photo at www.aljfh.com

Anderson-Laws & Jones Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Laurawilla Herren.