Obituaries

Barbara Sue Herald - Coal Miner's Daughter, Social Justice Warrior, Culinary Artist, New Testament Christian, Voracious Reader, and Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Friend - peacefully transcended the confines of her earthly body on February 19, 2026.

Born March 27, 1941, in Harlan County, Kentucky, to Thelma (Creech) and Wilson Howard, Barbara was the oldest of five children. Her brother, Wilson "Wink" Howard, is waiting to welcome her warmly to the afterlife.

Barbara's life was rich with passion and purpose. She cherished her time singing with the Harlan Musettes and took great pride in her career at Northern Kentucky University, where she became the first staff member to serve on the Board of Regents. There, she used her powers of persuasion to establish the much-needed and deeply appreciated Benevolent Fund, ensuring support for those in need.

She faced her death as she did her life - with joy. It is no surprise that her last words were, "I am so happy."

Barb will be loved and missed by: Her Husband, Bill Herald (Alexandria, KY) their love read like a poem and endured like a fairytale. Her Daughters and Sons: Pamela Gewin, Rebecca Jill Herald and Mark Newton, and Glenna C Herald and Wayde Shanks, and Grandchildren Wilson A. Gewin, Rebecca Kate Newton, and Rachel E. Newton. Sisters; Glenna Baker of Harrogate, TN, Sandra Howard of Lake City, TN and Kimberly and John Tuttle of Lawrenceburg, KY. Nieces and Nephews; Ted Griffin of Lake City, TN, Michele Griffin of Lake City, TN, David Wallace Jr. of Frankfort, KY, Crystal Wallace of Frankfort, KY and Shawn Wallace of Frankfort, KY. Barbara had numerous friends and a friend for every occasion.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Elizabeth Hospice.

A celebration of life will be held, Saturday, March 28. Location and time to be announced.