05/28/2023
Good Day Good People,
Today we honor Laurie Denise Herbert.
Please use this space to view the many photos sent in and comment any story you have or good memory of Laurie here if you would like. For those who cannot make it to the walk and celebration of life, this post will serve as the memorial that you can be a part of, keep and come back to.
Laurie Denise Herbert was born September 21,1960 in Yonkers, New York to Ellen Jones and Melvin Matthews. Ellen married John Washington, who adopted her, and they raised her and her siblings Johnathon Washington and Holly (Washington) Loiseau with love and support in St. Thomas V.I. for many years. Living in St. Thomas were some of her favorite memories. She attended All Saints school, was an active participant in many carnival parades and regularly enjoyed going to Magen’s Bay Beach. She and her mother, Ellen, and siblings moved to Tampa FL where she finished high school at Plant Sr. High School. Laurie excelled as a student and attained one of the highest SAT scores in the state.
Laurie then moved to Washington DC. She worked for PBS downtown and made friends everywhere. Laurie graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bowie State University and obtained her JD degree at George Washington University, National Law Center. She did all this while working for the Sidley firm for over 15 years and taking care of her family.
Laurie met Michael A. Herbert and they were married in 1982 and have been married for 41 years. They welcomed their daughters, Simone and later Sharon Herbert. Laurie had bonus daughters Michelle Jones, Jean and Nicole.
Laurie had a life event in 2021. She met her biological father Melvin Matthews on April 8, 2021 and he was in constant communication with her and made many visits with her in her last years. Melvin embraced Laurie instantly. She said she felt whole after meeting him and getting to know him. She also got the opportunity to meet a new sibling, Sharon Matthews.
Laurie was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and fought the fight for over 30years before deciding to place herself in care at a nursing home. The nurses there took an interest in her as she enjoyed having people in her room listening to music or talking to her about various issues. She had a way of comforting people by letting them know she heard them and that they mattered. Alexa was her window to the world in the last few years and the way she played her music. Alexa played a huge role in connecting her children and the rest of her family to her especially through the pandemic when access was difficult.
Laurie is not leaving behind but is spiritually with her husband Michael Herbert, daughters Simone and Sharon, Michelle,brother Johnathon, sister Holly, Grand-Children Savaughn Adams,Richard Spearman IV, Trust Spearman, Markise Herbert, Alonzo Herbert and Indya Herbert and Great grandchildren Logan and Paris.
Laurie loved music and dancing. She played music constantly until even when her body gave up on May 10. She heard Calypso music as she drifted off to her freedom. Please know Laurie is not gone or dead. She is everywhere now. She is the light that makes you better because you got to know her. She touches you with every memory you hold of her. Laurie would want you all to know she loves you always in ALLWAYS.
She Free.
Be blessed and be well.
