Obituary of Laura Jo Herndon

Laura "Jo" Herndon 98 entered Heaven on July 3, 2023 surrounded by her loving family in Lakeland.  She was born in Illinois to Harve and Ruth Wallace, and was the youngest of 8 children.  She was preceded in death by both of her parents, all of her siblings (Doris Etheleen, Margaret Louise, Wayne Wilson, Doit Arbuckle, Ruth Virginia, Lola Jane, and Reba Elizabeth). Her Husband Winnie B. Herndon, a life companion Archie Arthur, and a Daughter in Law Patricia. Laura is survived by her 3 sons, Gary (Joann), Gregory (Delora), and Rodney (Patricia-deceased). Her 2 loving Granddaughters Keri Carey (Tom) and Wendi Herndon. Her 5 Great Grandchildren Kyle Herndon, Tasha Herndon, Heather Griggs, Destinee Glover and Robbie Gaskins III. Her 6 Great Great Grandchildren Aaliyah Herndon, Kylie Herndon, Nijah Gordon, Madelynn (Maddie) Herndon, Janesa Gordon and Paisley Griggs. She was a homemaker until her 3 sons were in school, then she worked for Polk County School Board. She worked as a cook in the lunchroom at Auburndale High School for many years, and then at Boone Middle School until she retired. She was very involved with her church Eastside Baptist, she was there just about every time the doors were open. She was also very involved in her Granddaughters and Great Grandchildren's lives, teaching them about Jesus and attending activities they were involved in. She loved getting visits from her Great Great Grandchildren and hearing their stories. She had many friends, most of who were waiting on her in Heaven. She also had an amazing church family, and as she got older they would call and come by to visit. She was the Matriarch of our family and taught us quite a bit about how the world had changed in her lifetime. We could sit for hours and listen to her stories. She was definitely Blessed and Highly Favored and was loved beyond measure. A memorial service will be held at Kersey's Funeral home in Auburndale, FL. on Saturday July 8, 2023. Visitation will be 11am-noon with Graveside service immediately following at Auburndale Memorial Gardens. The Repass luncheon will follow the Graveside service at Eastside Baptist Church in Auburndale. Any and all food donations can be dropped off at Eastside Baptist Church 217 Pike St. Auburndale, FL on Saturday (July 8) between 10am-11am or after 12pm.