Heather Joy Stinespring

Heather was born November 20, 1978, in Danville, VA to the late Robert Glenn Stinespring, Jr., and April Webster Waylett. She was a devoted Christian and an active member of Precept’s Bible Study led by Joan Smith and Sally Nisley. Heather faced many difficult hardships throughout her lifetime as she battled cystic fibrosis, but she remained faithful to her love and trust in Christ.

Heather loved her family; she was a playful and generous aunt to her niece and nephews, a protective and fun big sister, and a thoughtful and kind daughter. She loved music, dancing, and spending time at the beach. Heather was an animal enthusiast; she relished any opportunity to interact with wildlife whether it was sea turtles in Jamaica, lions and tigers at Myrtle Beach safari, baby goats at Spring Haven Farm, or her beloved Pomeranians whom she liked to say were her children.

Heather graduated in 1996 from George Washington High School in Danville, VA with honors. She attended Virginia Tech earning a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies summa cum laude and was valedictorian of her class in 2000. Heather truly loved her time at Tech and remained a lifelong Hokie. She later earned a Master of Arts in Teaching at Mary Baldwin. Heather worked as a preschool teacher at St. Anne’s- Belfield School and spoke very highly of her mentor Etta Legner. Though Heather’s career as a teacher was short-lived due to a decline in her health, her passion for teaching never faded.

Anyone who knew Heather knows what a great sense of humor she always had, and they recall her extraordinary laugh. Her infectious laugh and brazen humor could instantly brighten any room. Heather had a huge heart and felt the deepest empathy for others who were suffering. She was renowned for writing beautiful, heartfelt letters to her loved ones.

She is survived by her mother April Waylett and stepfather Michael Waylett of Raleigh, NC; her three sisters: Jennifer Stinespring of Raleigh, NC; Rachel Smyth and her husband Logan of Youngsville, NC; and Natalie Anderson and her husband Travis of Lynchburg, VA, one niece: Hallie, and four nephews: Robert, Harrison, Spencer and Coleman. She is also survived by her stepmother Emily Ratliff and her husband Larry Ratliff, as well as three loving uncles: Brian Webster and his wife Diane of St. Louis, MO; Grant Webster and his wife Donna of Charlottesville, VA; and Guy Webster and his wife Linda of Charlottesville, VA; and many loving cousins.

A memorial service will be held for friends and family on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 11am, at Teague Funeral Service in Charlottesville, VA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Heather's honor to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or the CASPCA.