It is with heavy hearts that we bid a final farewell to Mrs. Martha “Marty” Anne Cannaday Heard, 78, of New Braunfels, TX, who went to rest at the Lord’s side on August 7, 2023. A true “prayer warrior”, she is well-remembered for her immeasurable beauty inside and out, sweet personality, unshakable optimism, admirable selflessness, and bottomless love for her family. No one will forget her luminous smile, nor her undying devotion to her faith.
Named after her beloved grandmother (who helped with her birth), Martha Anne Cannaday was born at her family’s Roanoke, VA home on September 1, 1944. Known to her family and friends as “Marty”, she was the fourth of six children born to proud parents, Walter and Marie Cannaday. The family lived in Glen Burnie, MD throughout her childhood, where she graduated from Glen Burnie High School in 1962.
Three years after graduation, Martha married the love of her life, Jack Lewis Heard, when he returned home from serving in the Air Force. Shortly thereafter, the happy couple moved to Sheffield, AL where their wonderful daughters, Cathy and Caren, were born. She treasured every moment she had with her children.
Marty spent 57 years of her life living in Sheffield, AL. There, she served as Chief Clerk for the Colbert County Sherriff’s Department and Court Clerk for the City of Sheffield. Along the way, she never missed an opportunity to volunteer at church functions or to step forward and graciously open her home for youth events. In retirement, she thoroughly enjoyed working at Florence’s First United Methodist Day School, as well as, contributing her time to helping children in the New Braunfels area learn to read.
One of the best things to ever happen to Mrs. Heard was becoming a grandmother to three beautiful spirits. To them, she was known as “Gigi”. Birthday dinners with Bedford at the Tower Restaurant, swinging at the park with Cannaday, and watching Hugh play baseball (always followed by a treat from Bahama Buck’s) were among her most precious memories.
Outside of work, faith, and family, Marty was known for her superior decorating skills and lively participation in small Bible study groups. She loved spending time with her friends, whether over lunch or an exciting baseball game. A 23-year breast cancer survivor, she was a force to be reckoned with in the most gentle and compassionate way.
Martha Anne Cannaday Heard was preceded in death by her loving parents, Walter and Marie Cannaday; husband, Jack Lewis Heard; adoring daughter, Cathy Anne Heard Doster; and dear brothers, Norman Wayne Cannaday, Walter Harmon Cannaday, and Daniel Melvin Cannaday.
Left to cherish her memory are her devoted daughter, Caren (David) Heard White; incredible grandsons, Hugh Walter White and Bedford LeRoy Doster; beautiful granddaughter, Cannaday Lynne Doster; caring sisters, Gwynne Marie Cannaday Wales and Constance Lea Cannaday Rentz; and a host of close friends.
Her radiant legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of all who knew her.
Fittingly, a Celebration of Life will take place on Marty’s birthday, Friday, September 1, 2023. Because the service will be in Texas, those touched by this remarkable woman are invited to attend the livestreamed event at York Bluff Baptist Church, 301 Atlanta Avenue, Sheffield, beginning at 2:00 p.m. A time of remembrance and light refreshments will follow the service. May she rest in eternal peace with our Lord and Savior.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Every Piece Matters Autism Awareness, 910 Lamar Avenue, Tuscumbia, AL 35674.
