Gayle Heckman

Although she did not actually serve in our Armed Forces, Gayle was born a “military brat” and spent 52 years as a “military wife”. As such Gayle learned from an early age the dignity of work and the value of loyalty- principles she joyfully emulated throughout her lifetime.

In 1970 Glenda Gayle Woods married the love of her life, William Kenneth Heckman, Jr. Gayle and Ken loved children and all of the blessings that parenting brings. In addition to their own biological children they became foster parents, and later adopted.

Affectionately known as “Mama Bear”, Gayle’s house was the one the community kids were drawn to, and she became “Mom” to many. She loved spending time with her children and their friends. Whether watching their school activities or jumping right in with after school antics, Gayle was right at home.

Throughout her lifetime Gayle’s career experience was interesting and varied. Never one to sit idle Gayle forever had her hand in something, holding positions from bookkeeping to retail to restaurant and baking. Her favorite work was in cosmetology, as she could do something for another that would allow them to feel better about themselves.

In her free time Gayle enjoyed gatherings with family and friends. As a teen she liked to go hunting with her father, and later took up fishing. She was also an avid collector of Christmas villages and cow figurines, with extensive compilations of each.

Gayle is survived by her beloved husband of 52 years, Ken Heckman; daughter, Suzanne Musgrove (Wayne); sons, Chris Heckman (Kimberly), Robbie Heckman (Suzanne), and Jimmy Heckman (Kim); sister, Debbie Nall (Barrett); 14 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Bonnie Woods; and brother, Ray Woods.

Visitation will be held from 5:00pm until 8:00pm, Friday, March 24, 2023, at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl. Funeral services are 11:00am Saturday, March 25, 2023, in the funeral home chapel with interment to follow in Crestview Memorial Gardens in Brandon.