Elizabeth Marie Heafner

Former Fairfax, Virginia, resident Elizabeth “Betty” Heafner passed away on October 26, 2023, in Greensboro, North Carolina. Elizabeth spent her final days surrounded by her adoring family, the caring staff at Abbotswood at Irving Park, and her compassionate Hospice Team.

Elizabeth was born on February 11, 1929, in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, to Edson and Lea Seagraves. She was a precocious child who had a zest for life: Her favorite activities included horseback riding, acting, singing, playing violin and piano, and competitive academics. Elizabeth excelled in all these endeavors, and she would go on to hold many school leadership positions–and even to play Shakespeare’s Portia on the college stage. Elizabeth attended Maryville College before transferring to The Teachers College in Washington DC. Later, she would pursue graduate studies in Linguistics at the University of Virginia.

While in Washington, Elizabeth met and married her husband of 64 years, the late James Horace Heafner. Elizabeth would go on to have truly unique travel experiences with her husband: They were often official state guests in foreign countries, due to Mr. Heafner’s work at the Federal Bureau of Investigation and at the Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Elizabeth’s passion for educating children led her to teaching positions in Washington D.C., Battle Creek, Michigan, and Fairfax, Virginia. One of the highlights of Elizabeth’s teaching career was writing and developing a successful reading curriculum that went on to be used in other private schools in Virginia. Elizabeth was an ardent supporter of academic scholarships, and she found outlets to provide this support as an active member of the Twentieth Century Club in Washington DC and of PEO. After moving to a historic home in the Shenandoah Valley, Elizabeth continued her community involvement in multiple women's clubs.

Elizabeth’s Christian faith guided her life: For 42 years, she was a devoted member of the Fourth Presbyterian Church in Bethesda, Maryland, where she served on numerous committees and as a Sunday School teacher. In retirement, Betty and Horace enjoyed their time as part of First Baptist Church in Waynesboro, Virginia. She became a member of First Presbyterian Church when she moved to Greensboro, North Carolina in 2014.

Elizabeth demonstrated consummate care and elegance as a wife and as a mother. She delighted in her six grandchildren, and she made every event feel magical to them. She is remembered for her gracious gift of hospitality, for her generous outreach to others, and for the thoughtful notes of kindness that she mailed to so many. Elizabeth welcomed endless church, community, and club gatherings into the Heafner home. In addition to her love for entertaining guests, Elizabeth took immense joy in roses, opera, classical music, holidays, and in all things beautiful.

Elizabeth’s death was preceded by her husband of 64 years James Horace Heafner, and by her son James Horace Heafner, Jr. She is survived by her daughters, Cynthia Heafner, Brenda Glenn (Jack), and daughter-in-law Kay Heafner. She will be missed by her grandchildren, Steven Hogan, Ashleigh McFarlin (Timothy), Adam Heafner (Jessica), Luke Heafner (Emily), Blair Mastantuno (Allen) and Allie Glenn (Peter Martinez), and her six precious great-grandchildren.

Elizabeth also leaves sisters Ruth Ann Wysocki and Janet Slamp and multiple nieces and nephews.

A service remembering Elizabeth Heafner will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Greensboro, North Carolina at 2:00 p.m. on December 2, 2023. A private burial will be held in Virginia.

Donations may be sent to Greensboro AuthoraCare Hospice, 2500 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, North Carlonia 27405.