Donna Mae Richard Heisch

Proverbs 31:28,29

Her children stand and bless her.

Her husband praises her:

“There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,

but you surpass them all!”

On Tuesday, July 5, 2022, Donna Heisch passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Donna was born in Phillips County, Kansas, February 26, 1936, to the late Rev. James Kenneth and Velma Mae Richard. Donna was raised in a Godly home; her parents were Pastors in full time ministry for 65 years.

After high school Donna attended Southwestern Assemblies of God Bible College in Waxahachie, Texas. It was there she met J.R. Heisch, the love of her life, who she would later join in marriage and ministry for the next 66 years.

J. R. and Donna married in December 1955, and had two daughters, Tamala Sue, and Amy Christine. In 1975, J.R. and Donna sponsored a young couple from Vietnam, Thien and Kim Anh. One week after their arrival to the United States, Donna planned a beautiful wedding for them, and they instantly became part of the family for life. Family was the primary focus of Donna’s life. Everything she did revolved around her family.

Many who knew her would describe her as sweet, gracious, a lovely and classy lady, an elegant woman, and a dedicated wife, mother, and Grandma and Nana. Her life revolved around family, playing the piano, singing in choir, ensembles and with J.R., her sister Sarah, and friends, for most of their ministry.

She supported J.R. in their ministry of Christian school education, including Evangel Temple Christian School-Church in Grand Prairie, Texas, Family Christian Academy in Baton Rouge, LA, Cornerstone Academy in San Antonio, Tx, and finally they settled on a small farm in East Texas to enjoy the simple things in life. They started Day Spring Preschool until they retired from Christian education. They also cared for Donna’s parent’s, Rev. Jim and Velma Richard.

When Donna became a grandmother, she was so immensely proud. She was there when each of her grandkids were born and always took a highly active role in helping to raise godly grandchildren. She always made our house a home filled with love. She loved hosting guest for all types of celebrations. She loved painting, sewing, quilting, knitting, crosstitch, cooking and in her later years adult coloring. Most of all, spending time with her family.

Donna is survived by her husband of 66 years, Rev. J.R. Heisch, a sister, Sarah Jenkins, daughter Tammie Jarrett (Mark) of Montana, daughter Amy Spivey (Rev. Kenneth Spivey) of Prairieville, LA. Son & Daughter, Thien and Kim Anh Le of Grand Prairie, Tx. Four grandkids, Viet Le (Trisha), Vy Dinh (Kobe), Andrew Spivey (Catherine), Aaron Spivey (Megan) and nine great grandchildren, Vincent Le, Tori Le, Luke Dinh, Cooper Spivey, Vance Le, Emmy Dinh, Cypress Spivey, Lucy Spivey, Clover Spivey, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Our family would like to give special thanks to Donna’s Physicians, and staff, as well as her caretakers from Pinnacle Home Health, Palliative and Hospice Care, and The Crossing at Clarity Hospice for all their love, and exceptional care, and to Healing Place Church.

A memorial gathering for Donna will be held Thursday, July 21, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Healing Place Church Annex, 19202 Highland Rd., Baton Rouge, LA, followed by a memorial service at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Donna by visiting https://everloved.com/life-of/donna-richard-heisch/

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.oursofh.com for the Heisch family.