Michelle was born April 3, 1963, to Phil & Laura Coker of Adairsville, Georgia. As the eldest daughter of eight children, she learned early how to care for a home and helped raise her siblings. Those early years shaped the warm, capable woman she became. Along the way she picked up many talents —singing, sewing, cosmetology, decorating, and understanding children—and she used every one of them to make life better for the people around her.

On June 19, 1981, Michelle married the love of her life, Harvey Herod. Their connection was something special—easy, natural, and full of affection. She treasured their 42 years together. They built a home filled with laughter, music, and deep loyalty. Together they raised two children, Loren Ross Herod and Mellie Wren Starrett. Michelle poured her whole heart into being their mother. She also embraced Harvey’s family as her own. Harvey’s older children were especially dear to her. And her mother‑in‑law became one of her closest friends.

Caregiving was a calling Michelle embraced wholeheartedly. In a short span of time, her mother, father, and husband all required care, and she poured herself out in their behalf with unwavering dedication.

Her relationship with Jehovah God was the anchor of her life. She loved talking about her Heavenly Father, singing at worship, and sharing hope with anyone who wanted to learn about God’s promises. - Hebrews 6:19

People were important to Michelle. She had a gift for lifting others up and helping them feel good about themselves. She was the kind of person who listened fully when someone needed to talk, and that quiet support endeared her to everyone who knew her. She loved using her talents in service of others.If someone moved into a new home, she found out what they needed and kept an eye out for those items. If someone was sick, she prepared a meal. If they were facing a difficult trial, she made time to talk with them and offer comfort. When there was a funeral, she helped with hospitality; when there was a wedding, she helped the family with the event. Whatever people were going through, Michelle showed up. Whatever the situation, Michelle gave what she had. She never held back.

Some of Michelle’s favorite things were simple joys: singing in harmony with her sisters, thrift shopping, cooking for her family, making jewelry, and enjoying good conversation over a cup of coffee. She loved watching decorating shows and reading decorating magazines. Coordinating her clothes and jewelry was something she took pride in, so that she looked her best when she went out.

Michelle also had a wonderful sense of humor. Even during her illness, she found ways to laugh about the situation. She smiled often and expressed genuine appreciation to everyone who cared for her. Nurses frequently told her family that she was their favorite patient and that they were sad to see her go. She carried the weight of severe illness with dignity and deep faith, confident that in the future “restoration of all things”, she would be healthy again and reunited with Harvey and all those she loved. Acts 3:21

In her final days, her giving spirit never dimmed. When she could no longer speak, she continued responding with facial expressions to acknowledge when someone spoke to her. Michelle’s determination to live, to love, and to show kindness made her stand out as a truly remarkable woman.

We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to all the friends, family members, healthcare providers, and hospice workers who assisted in her care. We are deeply grateful for every prayer, visit, card, call, text, gift and bouquet as well as every act of kindness - help with errands, transportation to appointments, and meals.

Michelle was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harvey Lewis Herod; her parents, Phil and Laura Coker; her nephew, Greig Bushmiaer; and her stepson‑in‑law, Rick Dockery.

She is survived by her children, Loren Ross Herod and Mellie Wren (Guy) Starrett; and by her step‑children, Rodna Dockery, Rod (Debbie) Herod, and Coatsie (Jason) Holden.

Michelle also leaves behind her siblings: Greg Coker, Anita (Jackie) Earwood, Rena (Rick) Morris, Brent (Kim) Coker, Jennifer (Allan) Willoughby, Sharon (Jorg) Hofmann, and Lesley (Joey) Jarrard.

Her grandchildren—Holland Herod, Troupe Starrett, Adaire Starrett, Jeremy England, Candice Forsyth, Savannah Wilson, Matthew Herod, Christina Wilbanks, and Blake Murphy—were a constant source of joy to her.

She is also survived by many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly: Elliott Harris, Devon Harris, Karen Bagley, Rachel Barton, Anna Bushmiaer, Aleah Coker, Alaina Hall, Makayla Honea, Dallas Hofmann, Willow Hofmann, Collin Jarrard, and Cansas Grubbs; as well as a large and cherished extended family of great‑nieces, great‑nephews, great‑grandchildren, cousins aunts and uncles.

A memorial Service will be held on June 27th at 1:00pm at the Walker County Civic Center. 10052 US-27, Rock Spring, GA 30739.