Martha Ellen Herald

Martha Thomas Herald, 66 of Glasgow, entered Heavenly rest on October 9, 2021, at Greenview Regional Hospital after a courageous battle with a brief and unexpected illness. "Mop," as she was affectionately referred to by her friends and family, was born in Glasgow, Kentucky on July 19, 1955, to the late Solon Miller Thomas and Thelma Gwendolyn Graven Thomas, and was predominantly raised in the Beaver Creek and Lucas communities of Barren County. As a child, Mop developed a maternal bond with a special aunt, Cynthia Juanita Graven Moore, and she was diligent in expressing her gratitude for the blessing of two mothers who would mold her into the fierce protector, unwavering friend, and remarkable woman Mop grew to be. Continuing the tradition of her accomplished aunts and mother, Mop pursued a career while also ensuring that the needs and wishes of her family and friends were never unmet. Professionally, Mop specialized in the business management of medical practices. Her most prized role was as the office manager for Dr. C.T. Woodward in Glasgow, Kentucky, a position she held for 16 years until the passing of Dr. Woodward. In her time with Dr. Woodward, Mop fostered relationships with people from all corners of society and remained in contact with several patients from her roles in the medical field. Mop was a sharp debater who enjoyed informed, political discourse and was a gifted vocalist who loved country music (particularly the stylings of Willie Nelson, Gene Watson, George Strait, and Loretta Lynn). She was also a beautiful writer and lover of literature, who most connected to the poetry of Robert Frost. Her biggest hobby, however, was cooking, and she dreamed of one day publishing a cookbook. During the holidays, Mop was known to cook expansive meals for not only her family but would also deliver plates of her wonderful dishes to anyone she knew of who was alone or in need. Finally, Mop cherished animals, and was equally adored by the horses, cats, and dogs that she nurtured throughout the years. Indeed, the theme of Martha's life was the depth of her love for those fortunate enough to be graced by her presence. The greatest joy of her life would come when she delivered her daughter and best friend of 29 years, Taylor Ashton Herald. Taybug, as she referred to by her Mama, was the proudest achievement in Mop's life, and Taybug's happiness and success in her own life mattered to her Mama above all things. The two were bonded by common loves for music, literature, and animals, and she led her daughter through life with tender guidance and fierce loyalty. Martha also raised and treasured two daughters she gained through marriage, Amy Herald Elmore and Shelia Herald. Her daughters were shaped into the strong, successful, educated, and compassionate women that they are due to Mop's guiding and benevolent presence, and her loss will be a void not filled until they see her again. Besides her children, Mop is survived by two grandsons, John Thomas and Jesse Elmore, whom she adored; a son-in-law, Jared Elmore; her friends of 40 years, Judy Britt and Joe Green; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and the pets that gave Mop a smile everyday: cats, Maxine and Vivian, and her beloved dogs, Whiskey, Baby Anne, and Weasel. In addition to her parents, Mop was preceded in death by her hero and big brother, Gary Miller Thomas; her former husband and the father of her children, Jerry W. Herald; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and innumerable fur babies whom she loved throughout her life, notably: Yo-Yo, Sam, Mickey, Markey, and Boo. Mop valued the ability to endure trying times with compassion, resolve, and humility, and she would ask that her loved ones face her loss with strength. Mop routinely practiced steadfast devotion to family and friends, and would encourage everyone to be a protector for those who cannot protect themselves while pouring out all of the love one can. A graveside services will be 2:00pm Thursday, October 14th, at Glasgow Municipal Cemetery. Visitation will be 12:00 pm until time for the service at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to assist with funeral expenses. A.F. Crow & Son is both honored and privileged to be entrusted with the care of Ms Herald.