Lucy Ryan Heidorn, a long-time resident of Muscle Shoals, died on the morning of June 18, 2025, in Northport, AL at the age of 89. Lucy had relocated to Northport/Tuscaloosa in 2021 to be near family. She was born May 14, 1936, in Blount County, AL. She grew up in Sayre, Alabama, graduating from Sayre Junior High and Corner High School, both in Jefferson County.
She held BS and MA degrees from the University of North Alabama (Florence State University) in Florence, AL where she majored in secondary education and English. She was a passionate teacher of English in middle and high schools for 34 years, retiring from the Muscle Shoals School System in 1994. During retirement she was an adjunct instructor at UNA where she supervised interns and volunteered at Webster Elementary in Muscle Shoals.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Don Heidorn; her parents, Paul Ryan and Marie Creel Aldridge; a brother, William Ryan; and a sister, Sara Ryan Black.
She is survived by her devoted son, David Earl Heidorn of Northport/Tuscaloosa and a brother, Jerry O. (Jimmy) Ryan of Burleson, TX. She was fortunate to have a few close and loyal friends and many “Creel” cousins.
She was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church of Muscle Shoals, where she sang alto in the choir, volunteered in the church office, and served on various boards and committees. Later in life she became a member of Tuscumbia First Methodist Church.
From her maternal Creel and Reid ancestors, she inherited a love and talent for leading and singing Sacred Harp music, which she loved. She was an active member of a family of Sacred Harp singers and attended singings whenever possible.
Lucy was a life-time member of the Muscle Shoals Library Board, a supporter of the Muscle Shoals Schools Foundation, UNA Foundation, and the Tennessee Valley Arts Center. She spent many hours reading and listening to classical music.
Visitation will be at Morrison Funeral Home in Tuscumbia, AL from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 22. A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 23, at Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens in Florence, AL presided by Rev. Alan Beasley.
Pallbearers will be Danny Creel, Ken Tate, Tony Pace, Chad Holden, Alan Spencer and Jo Bonner. Honorary pallbearers are Jim Foster, Larry Danley and members of the Ethel Gary Sunday School Class.
The family requests no flowers. In lieu thereof, donations can be made to the Muscle Shoals Schools Foundation-Heidorn Family Scholarship, the Friends of the Muscle Shoals Public Library and the Sacred Harp Musical Heritage Association.
