1SG (Ret) Wilmetta Jean Herbert

April 22, 1933 - April 21, 2016

Willmetta Jean Herbert, the daughter of the late Ralph and Harriet (Cox) Taylor, was born on April 22, 1933 in Monmouth, Illinois. She was reared and educated in Monmouth, Illinois. In February 1954, Jean entered the United States Army and served faithfully until her retirement in April 1979. She attained the rank of First Sergeant and earned several awards; Army Commendation Medal w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal (8th Award), and numerous Letters of Commendation and Appreciation. She held different positions during her career; Non-commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC), Department of Pathology at Letterman Army Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, instructor in blood banking and drawing procedures at Brook Army Medal Center, Fort Sam Houston, TX, NCOIC Patient Administration, Fort Lewis, WA and the 121st Evacuation Hospital in Korea. On November 26, 1965 she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Franklin Herbert. They shared 50 wonderful years together. After retirement, Jean was selected to serve on the Chief of Staff Army Retiree Council in Washington, DC, was a member of the Thrift Shop Board, Fort Leonard Wood, MO, and volunteered at the Thrift Shop, Fort Lewis, WA, and Fort Ord, CA, Retirement Service Office (RSO), DPCA at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, the Retiree Council at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, coordinating the Annual Retiree Dinner, was a member of the Post Exchange Board, a member of the Community Health Care Board and was a member of the E-9’s Wife Club on Fort Leonard Wood. She was a member of the Planning and Zoning Committee in St. Robert, MO and volunteered for the YMCA. In 2010, she was the Parade Marshall during the Veterans’ Day Parade. In her spare time, Jean enjoyed traveling, interior decorating, and planning the family reunion every year. She was a member of the Bellarmine Catholic Church in St. Robert, MO. She served in the choir and was a faithful servant until she was no longer able to attend. Jean leaves to cherish her memory, her husband over 50 years; CSM Franklin Herbert; two sisters: Patricia Lucas of Monmouth, IL, and Lillie Hayes of Galesburg, IL; three brothers: Vincent Taylor of Moline, IL, John Taylor of Monmouth, IL, and Robert Taylor of Davenport, IA Vietnam and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to her parents, Jean was preceded in death by two sisters: Genevieve Mac Million and Shirley Manley; one brother, Larry Dean Taylor killed in Vietnam. Services were held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 27, 2016 in the St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church of St. Robert, Missouri with Father John Groner officiating. Soloist/Pianist Evelyn Horine led the congregation in singing “How Great Thou Art”, “Amazing Grace” and responses. Services were held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 28, 2016 in the Turnbull Funeral Homes of Monmouth, Illinois with Rev. Jerry Cato officiating. Music was provided by Pianist Leo F. Ramer and soloist DuWayne Brooks. Burial with military honors followed in the Monmouth Cemetery of Monmouth, Illinois. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Arrangements were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.