Joseph Horace (Jay) Hebert a faithful minister of Jesus Christ, husband, father and friend to all-met his heavenly Father, Thursday, February 12, 2026, in the Baptist Home of Shelbina.

He was surrounded by loved ones and friends in his final days, each felt honored to serve him. Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Bernice, one son David Hebert, two sisters, Lily and Wanda, and four brothers, Joseph, J.D., Walter and Billy.

Joseph was born to Horace and Gertrude Reeves Hebert on February 28, 1927, in Stanton, MS, where he was raised until he journeyed south to attend college.

He was united in marriage to Bernice Bertha Bender, on June 18, 1949, in Amory, MS. Surviving are three children, Stephen Hebert and wife Sandy of St. Peters, MO, Dennis Hebert and wife Jean of St. Charles, MO, and Mary Ellen Martin and husband Ed of St. Charles, MO, six grandchildren, Kevin, Kelly, Joel and Rochel, Brett, Jenna and Kayla five step-grandchildren Anthony, Alecia, Craig, Eddie and Lori, and numerous great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Also surviving are one sister Gertrude Vercher of Alexander, LA.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, J.D., Walter, Billy and Willie Hebert, and one son David Hebret.

Jay served his country in the United States Navy from June 1944 to June 1946 receiving the Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon and the Victory Ribbon.

Jay received his degree in Theology at Pentecostal Bible Institute in Tupelo, MS. After graduating from PBI Joseph and his wife returned to the St. Louis, MO area and served the Lord in numerous ways and places for decades. They raised their family, traveled and blessed their community. For thirty years Jay served as an ordained minister through the IMA. Most recently Jay and Bernice found a home and ministry at Heartland. While at Heartland Jay enjoyed the outdoors, cutting grass and was involved with Heartland Ministries, serving as a prayer warrior and assisting as a mentor to all those in need.

His witness and love was an inspiration to all at Heartland and he was thrilled to work closely with good Christian friends to help others find their way to service in Christ. Jay and Bernice enjoyed traveling. Jay will be missed by many as he was loved by all.

Services will be held Friday, February 20th in the Heartland Community Church. Officiating the services will be Pastor Kris Palmer and Pastor Dave Barton.

Visitation will start Friday at 10 a.m. and services will begin at 11 a.m. in the Heartland Community Church.

Burial will be in Heartland Cemetery. Music will be provided by Heartland Community Church.

Memorials may be made to Heartland Community Church. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1, Edina, MO, 63537.