Pearl Georgia Herman

Pearl LeMay Herman's of Little Rock's passing on June 9, 2012 was tranquil, serene and cloaked in the love of family at her bedside. This was a blessed transition for a woman whose devotion to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, family, friends and her community were incomparable. Her story- in this space- begins with her family: She was born June 5, 1931 in Little Rock. Mrs. Herman was known simply as "Mimi" by family and many, many close friends. She is survived by her husband of almost 61 years, Kirke L. Herman Sr. Mrs. Herman is also survived by her daughter, Deborah Herman Buggs of Melissa, Texas, son and daughter-in-law, Rocky and Teresa Herman of Little Rock, son and daughter-in-law, Alex and Dianne Herman of Brooklyn, New York and daughter-in-law, Johnnie Herman of Denver, Colorado. Mrs. Herman was preceded in death by her son, Michael A. Herman of Denver, Colorado. Mrs. Herman was also grandmother to Jon-Michael Herman of Little Rock, Rafanee Herman of Atlanta, Georgia, Rita Baldwin, New York, New York, Gavin Herman of Houston, Texas and Jeremiah Herman of Little Rock. Mrs. Herman is also survived by her great-grandson, Keaton Herman of Little Rock. Mrs. Herman nee' Mimi is survived by three of her siblings; Long time Little Rock resident, Jon LeMay, Ret.Rear Admiral Jerome LeMay of Mt.Vernon, Virginia and sister, Inez Mercer Felix of Sacramento, California. She is preceded in death by brothers Carl LeMay, Edward LeMay and George LeMay. She is also survived by dear extended family members including Little Rock attorney Christopher C. Mercer and Pam Mercer, Rae Jean Montague of Little Rock and Alexis Herman of Washington, DC. Mrs. Herman was a life-long, active member of St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in Little Rock. Her faith was deep and measurable by the years of devotion to church missions. In her home parish, Pearl LeMay Herman served on St. Bartholomew's Parish Council and was a former member of the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Knights of St. Peter Claver. Her service to the Church also included the special Lay Ministry Certificate in Pastoral Studies received upon completion of the parallel studies required by Catholic Church Diaconate ministry. She also served on the Advisory Board for the Permanent Diaconate Program of the Diocese of Little Rock, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) project, initiating the first St. Bartholomew Catholic Church Youth Choir and served for over 45 years as a lector during Little Rock's Carmelite Convent's annual Novenas. Bishop Anthony B. Taylor, Bishop of Little Rock, awarded Pearl LeMay Herman the 2009 Daniel Ruud Award for Outstanding Lay Leadership in the Catholic Church. She was educated at Xavier University, New Orleans, Louisiana and Philander Smith College in Little Rock completing her Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Mrs. Herman was a parochial and public school educator but realized a true calling as the Special Advocate for the Arkansas Department of Human Services. For over 31 years she was a strong voice on behalf of families with special needs across the State of Arkansas. President Bill Clinton, while Governor of Arkansas wrote, "...you helped some of our most vulnerable citizens' access services and support..." Her service culminated in a multitude of recognitions including a "Pearl Herman Day' designation awarded by former Little Rock Mayor, Jim Dailey, on December 17, 1996. Pearl LeMay Herman was also an extraordinary volunteer including work with the Salvation Army, William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum and an almost 50 year volunteer for a Little Rock service organization, The Imperials Incorporated. Services begin with a commemorative recitation of the Catholic Rosary during the Family Hour at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth, 5800 West 12th Street, Little Rock at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 13. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Andrew's Cathedral, 7th and Louisiana Streets, Little Rock. The Mass begins at 12 noon, Thursday, June 14 with Msgr. John O'Donnell as Celebrant. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Bartholomew Catholic Church Youth Group or the Carmelite Convent. Mrs. Herman will be remembered as a kind, loving and loyal spirit who was beloved by her family, friends and community. From her enthusiastic support of Catholic High Football to her brave actions with Dr. Martin Luther King's campaigns on behalf of voter registration in Mississippi. Pearl LeMay Herman was truly a servant of God providing service to all. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.