Laurel Elizabeth Herndon Wilson

August 7, 1966 – March 4, 2025

Laurel was beautiful, strong, intelligent, and endlessly caring. She loved fiercely, with a heart that overflowed with compassion for others. She was fun, creative, and industrious—always making, always imagining, always pushing forward. Life was not easy for her, but she fought hard against its difficulties, meeting every challenge with the same unwavering determination that defined her.

She never held malice in her heart, except for those who mistreated others—yet even then, she held onto the hope of redemption. She loved God and country, and above all, family meant everything to her. If she had any faults, they were merely the byproduct of how deeply she cared. She gave of herself completely, sometimes to her own detriment, but she would never have done it any other way.

Laurel was preceded in death by her father, Hugh Herndon, and her nephews, Howard "Lee" Dear and Derek Day. She is survived by her mother, Betty Herndon; her son, Jonathan Wilson, his wife, Kendall Wilson, and their daughter, Maya; her beloved daughter, Emmerson; her sisters, Cindy Herndon-Johnson (and her sons, Travis Webber & Ryne Johnson), Heather Herndon-Wright and her husband, Randolph Wright (and their daughter, Destiny Herndon-De La Rosa), and Stephanie George and her husband, Michael George (and their children, Ashley Peterson, Michael George, and Alyssa George).

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 14th at Chase Oaks Church, Sloan Creek Campus (611 E. Stacey Rd., Fairview, Texas 75069), followed by a gathering at the home of Randolph and Heather Herndon Wright (1930 Northfork Lane, Lucas, Texas 75002).

Laurel's boundless energy, her warmth, and her fearless spirit will be deeply missed. But we take comfort in knowing that she is now at peace, unrestrained, and onto her next great adventure—one where she can shine in her fullest brilliance, with her sweet cat, Texas, curled up in her lap.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Laurel's memory to the Child Abuse Network (CAN), a cause she deeply cared about. CAN is dedicated to providing intervention, support, and advocacy for children affected by abuse, offering them a safe and compassionate environment to begin healing. Donations can be made online at www.childabusenetwork.org or sent to:

Child Abuse Network

2829 South Sheridan

Tulsa, OK 74129

Phone: 918-624-0200

Your contribution will help continue Laurel's legacy of care and kindness, ensuring that vulnerable children receive the protection and support they deserve.