of Conway, AR
July 27, 1961 - November 13, 2025
Holly Haygood Herron, 64, of Conway, Arkansas, passed away on November 13, 2025, surrounded by the family she fiercely loved. She was born on July 27, 1961, to Harold Thomas ''Corkey'' Haygood and Roberta Lee Sisk Haygood, who preceded her in death.
Holly spent 37 years teaching business and shaping future leaders, with the majority of her career invested at Bigelow High School, where she made her biggest impact. Her students didn't just learn from her, they remembered her. It was at Bigelow that they gave her the nickname ''Baldo,'' a name that became part of her legacy and a badge of how deeply she connected with her students. She set high expectations, demanded effort, and pushed kids to grow into adults who showed up, worked hard, and didn't make excuses. Generations of Bigelow students still credit her for their drive, discipline, and success in life.
Holly was also a fiercely dedicated mother. She raised two strong, independent children who inherited her grit, her stubborn streak, and her sense of humor. She was never shy about telling people how proud she was of them, and if you knew her, you knew she meant it.
Holly and Steve Herron shared a life together for nearly 35 years. In their younger years, they were always surrounded by friends, concerts, and get-togethers at ''the pavilion.'' There isn't a swimming hole in the entire state they didn't try out at least once. As a family, their best days were often the simple ones, cooking hotdogs at the farm while fishing, playing baseball, and making memories that stuck. Their life together was full of motion, noise, laughter, and loyalty, exactly the way Holly liked it.
When she retired, she shifted her focus to what mattered most: being Gigi. And she took that job just as seriously. If her grandkids were involved, she was there, at every ballgame, every school event, every big moment. Camera around her neck, voice loud enough for everyone to hear, and a level of commitment that put every other fan to shame. Being Gigi wasn't a phase of life for her. It was the center of it.
She is survived by her husband, Steve Herron; her daughter, Morgan Horton (Steven Reed); her son, Spencer Balducci (Brenda Payne); and grandchildren Shelby Horton, Gracen Horton, Tenley Horton, and Ryleigh Reed, who adored their Gigi. She also leaves behind her brothers Billy Haygood (Marilyn) and Tommy Haygood (Terri); many nieces and nephews and their children, all of whom lovingly called her Gigi too.
Holly was not delicate. She was not quiet. She was not the person who blended into the crowd. She lived big, loved big, and left a mark on everyone lucky enough to cross her path. Her loyalty was fierce. Her opinions were strong. Her love was constant. And her absence will be felt in every corner she used to fill.
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22 Condolence(s)
Sherri May
Sunday, November 16, 2025
I met Holly through Business Ed and FBLA. I attended her workshops, sought out her advice in my teaching path, shared funny stories, and greatly enjoyed my time spent in her vibrant space. She will be be missed by so many. Prayers & comfort to all.
Becky Green
Sunday, November 16, 2025
Steve I am so sorry to read about Holly.
Prayers for you my friend.
Leah Nutt
Sunday, November 16, 2025
Mrs. Herron was one of my absolute favorite teachers! She was loud, opinionated, honest, and so funny. My senior year I took her journalism class, probably my favorite class I ever took. Although we might've been behind majority of the time and she did nearly the whole yearbook. I used to LOVE when we would send out the boys in class to take pictures and the girls would all stay in and sit by her desk in the comfy chairs and gossip. Some of my best memories from high school!
Clint Bailey
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Holly lived big and will be remembered big. Thoughts and prayers for her family as they go through this very tough time.
Megan Sherwood
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Carolyn Cobb
Saturday, November 15, 2025
I wish I could have met her. She has a strong and beautiful daughter in Morgan who loved her fiercely.
Erin Rappold
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Holly was the most amazing person. Always a joke shared, laughs were the best and you always knew what she was thinking. She will definitely be missed.
Byrum Kelly
Saturday, November 15, 2025
My deepest sympathy
Vicki Allen
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Morgan every word is perfect and true! Holly made the difference in all three of my daughter's lives! Charlotte, Kim and Mary Kathryn adored her and she taught them so much. Not just in their education but in life! She was always there to help them with whatever they needed. I had the opportunity to sit in her front yard and visit with her for probably two hours and ''catch up'' a couple of months ago and I'm so grateful for that time. She was all excited about her crafting and of we had the best time. You, Steve and Spencer and your families are and will continue to be in my prayers! I don't know anyone who didn't love and respect her! '"'"
Jennifer Jones
Saturday, November 15, 2025
So many memories, most aren't academic, but every time I see a typewriter I think of Baldo. Everytime I discuss finger placement on a keyboard, I think of Baldo. My prayers go up for all of you and much love to Coach. Her legacy lives on in all of us who were privileged enough to sit in her classroom.
Daron Hood
Saturday, November 15, 2025
My condolences to the family and my guy Spencer, my heart hurts for you, I remember when your mom introduced us in elementary. To Holly, you were one of the best teachers whom ever taught me, the things you've done for me I could never repay you. You told me to never forget where I came from and to always keep my head up and smile on my face. You will be missed and I will see you again one day.
Teresa Upton
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Miss Miss was a every sweet lady and she would help every one in her class room and she will be every missed by all lots of friends and family and she tought my boys in school my son Billy Upton won the class ring 2005 and I had to call Miss Holly to find out if it was true and she said yes he did a i said ok thank you so much for taking your time to let me know if will miss talking to you sweet lady
Kelly Dow
Saturday, November 15, 2025
I will forever cherish the memories, advice, and especially the laughs we shared. You helped me survive my first two years of teaching and I'm lucky to have gotten the opportunity to spend them right beside you. Sharing a closet, walking back and forth into each other's classroom are memories I'll never forget. I can still hear your laugh and some of the silly things you did. You'll never be forgotten. Love you big!
Lori (Nutt) De La Paz
Saturday, November 15, 2025
It's so hard to imagine the world without this amazing lady. She was a personality that filled a room and the smile/laugh that lit it up. I am so glad to have known her and pray for all of her family who are mourning and missing her. May she rest in peace and love.
Tracie Opolka
Saturday, November 15, 2025
I love you my dear friend. You will be so missed.
Mary Ellen Kordsmeier
Saturday, November 15, 2025
So sorry for the loss of your mom. She was definitely the bright light in every room and she will be missed.
Hallie Finkbeiner (Tolley)
Saturday, November 15, 2025
You were not only my teacher, and my advisor, you were my dear friend. I'll always remember your infectious laugh. So grateful for all the time and love you invested in me in high school. Forever in my heart ❤️
Chris Johnson
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Lucky enough to meet her once, I'll never forget her, she could carry a room for sure, rest easy with love
Erin Rappold
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Holly was the most amazing person. Always a joke shared, laughs were the best and you always knew what she was thinking. She will definitely be missed.
Lynette (Bowman) Penn
Saturday, November 15, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Holly. I got to know her my first few years of teaching and then continued to cross paths with her throughout the years. One memorable time was the very first year of the computer science kickoff at ASMSA with Daniel Moix. Many laughs and many tears as we struggled through. Holly will be missed. Prayers
Christy Stepp
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Mrs. Holly was one of my teachers when I was in school. She was well loved by all. I remember her wonderful personality and beautiful smile. My prayers are with her family.
Michael D Jenkins
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Sorry to hear of your loss. We went to school together at Fairview she was always very nice to everyone. And very beautiful person inside and out.