Wanda Joyce Heering, 83, passed away Monday, September 1, 2014, at her home. She was born November 9, 1930 to the late Henry C. Kelley and the late Hazel Small Kelley. Wanda was a mischievous and active child who loved to skate, listen to Detroit Tiger Baseball radio broadcasts and play outdoors. As a teenager, she worked at Montgomery Ward Department Store. She graduated form Port Huron High School in 1948. She married the love of her life,Wilson L. Heering on April 22, 1950, and set about establishing their home and raising an ever-growing family. In the mid-1950’s, they purchased a farm in North Street, Michigan. Although she wisely refused to learn to milk a cow, the peach orchard, vegetable garden, assorted farm animals and nurturing her family made for full, yet happy days. True to her nature, Wanda never complained while working without benefit of a clothes’ dryer, dishwasher or other modern conveniences; she offered all she did as a labor of love. Throughout these years, Wanda was also an active member of St. Edward’s on the Lake Catholic Church. In 1971, Wilson’s work at Mueller Brass Company brought the family to Fulton. Wilson and Wanda established a new home on Lake Itawamba where their family still enjoys gathering. They were early and long-time members of Christ the King Catholic Church where Wanda was a religious education instructor. Throughout the years both in Michigan and Mississippi, Wanda volunteered in her children’s schools. For several years, Wanda also helped deliver Meals-on-Wheels to shut-ins. She enjoyed playing the piano as well as listening to music, was a voracious reader, and enjoyed traveling with her husband including a memorable European cruise down the Rhine River. Wanda was known for her kindness, compassion, and for never having spoken unkindly of others. She often quoted and always lived by Thumper’s motto: “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothin’ at all.”
A celebration of her life will be at 11:00 am on Saturday September 6, 2014 at Senter Funeral Home with Father Lincoln Dall and Don Stephan officiating. Burial will be in Itawamba Memorial Gardens. Senter Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Survivors include her Sons: Michael (Marilyn) Heering of Fulton, Thomas (Carolyn) Heering of Gallatin, TN, David (Patti) Heering of O’Fallon, MO, and Kevin (Jan) Heering of Madison, AL. Daughters: Barbara Carson of Fulton, Linda (Bob) Rigney of Lakeland, FL, Patti (Doug) Johnson of Castalian Springs, TN, and Lisa (John) Gray of Madison, IN. Grandsons: Sanford (Amy) Carson, Christopher (Reagan) Heering, Jonathan (Kristen) Heering, Thomas E. (Elizabeth) Heering Jr., Andrew (Jana) Heering, Daniel (Kristina) Heering, Eric (Kelli) Wilson, Matthew (Mandy) Heering, and Brice Heering. Granddaughters: Adrian (Mark) Coburn, Kelley (Rob) Walmsley, Samantha (Brian) Webb, Amy (Matt) Apiecionek, Mary Kathryn Gray, Shelby Gray, and Anna Heering. Great-granddaughters: Chloe Carson, Molly Carson, Lauren Lucas, Abbey Walmsley, Aubrey Walmsley, and Claire Apiecionek. Great-grandsons: Tyler Coburn, and Robby Walmsley. Sister, Jessie Lee “Mickey” Strobbe of Smith’s Creek, MI. Sisters-in-law: Marie Zimmer of Port Huron, MI, and Florence Thoms of Port Huron, MI. Brother-in-law, Donald Burgett of Marysville, MI. Numerous Nieces, Nephews and Cousins, and also many caregivers for whom she found a special place in her heart.
Preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, Wilson Heering, Brother, Eldon “Joe” Kelley, parents-in-law, August and Marion Heering, several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Pallbearers will be the Grandsons and Honorary Pallbearers are the Grandsons-in-law.
Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:30 pm on Friday September 5, 2014 at Senter Funeral Home.
In Lieu of flowers, donations are requested to the Wilson L. and Wanda J. Heering Scholarship Fund, c/o Itawamba Community College, 602 W. Hill St., Fulton, MS 38843 or call 662-862-8047.
Online condolences can be expressed at www.senterfuneraldirectors.com
