Jane Ball Heggie

Jane “Janie” Ball Heggie, age 61, of Columbia, died peacefully surrounded by family, on Friday, August 11, 2023, due to the residual effects of Covid contracted in early March. Janie was born in Columbia, South Carolina on July 24, 1962, to Robah Gray and Jane Ball Heggie. She graduated from the Columbia public school system at age 21. Janie then participated in the Babcock Special Needs Program and attended its Day Activity Program at Shop Road for the next 39 years.

Janie lived at home with her family until the death of her mother in 2010. She then lived in a United Cerebral Palsy of SC community living group home with three other special needs ladies, enjoying her relationship with loving caregivers. Since March, Janie spent most of her time on 8th Floor Averyt, Prisma Health Baptist Hospital, treated by an amazing and compassionate medical team with whom she developed a special bond. She was fortunate to have Dr. Badley W. Word, MD, as her physician for decades.

Forty years ago, Janie was the first student to attend the First Baptist Church Special Needs Ministry Sunday School Program, started by Louise Smithwick, and subsequently run by Louise Burkholder, and currently, Karen Hall. Sunday was Janie’s favorite day of the week when she carried her Good News Bible to Sunday School, where she learned to joyously sing and pray to Jesus.

Janie’s next favorite day was Saturday when she would go to the Piggly Wiggly on Devine Street and purchase ears of corn. At checkout, she received a roll of brand-new shiny pennies to put in one of the “piggy” banks in her massive collection. After returning home, she expertly shucked and helped cook the corn for lunch. Every day was wonderful, especially when the mail arrived because she received a greeting card with a picture of one of her loved animals and characters. Kittens won the gold medal. Others displayed were giraffes, elephants, panda bears, cows, owls, puppies, and enough animals to fill a zoo. Her cherished cards also included pictures of Cinderella, Snow White, Cat in the Hat, and rainbows. Janie carried her stack of cards around in her hand, taking them everywhere. At night she spread them out on her bed to enjoy.

Cinderella was her most loved princess. Janie watched the original Disney Cinderella movie repeatedly, and asked to have the companion book read to her many times – “Again please?” Simple hobbies included collecting bobby pins, barrettes, nightgowns, bathrobes, and toothbrushes.

In addition to enjoying dancing, Janie inherited her mother’s artistic talent and colored many rainbows. She dearly loved her stuffed animals Blue Bear Bunny Rabbit, Mama, and Papa Bear. Janie was known for her faith in Jesus, kindness, unconditional love of all, and delightful sense of humor. She was a lady with a pure heart who touched the lives of many in her life’s journey.

Janie’s parents predeceased her. Surviving immediate family members include Marjorie “Margie” Heggie “Sister Margie” (David Estefano “Daddy David”) and David Shand Estefano; Julia Heggie Johnson (Larry) and Gray Johnson; and Rebecca Estefano Jordan (Tim). Janie’s dear friends were Jim and Louise Smithwick, Lyn and Louise Burkholder, Jerry and Karen Hall, Eula Phoenix, Lisa Coleman, Carlos Bolton, Karen Murphy, Angela Scott, and Chiquita Drakeford. And if Janie ever called someone “Mama,” one knew she was now in her inner circle.

A reception will take place on Saturday, August 19, 4-6 p.m., at Dunbar Funeral Home, 3926 Devine Street. A Celebration of Janie’s Life will be at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, August 20, at First Baptist Church Boyce Chapel, 1306 Hampton St., Columbia. The First Baptist Special Needs Ministry teachers and Mac Stidham, Billy Way, Dave Holder, and Danny Harlow will provide the music. A private Burial Service will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to be made to the First Baptist Special Needs Ministry, PO Box 1000, Columbia, SC 29201; United Cerebral Palsy of SC, 1101 Harbor Dr., Columbia, SC 29169; The Trinity Episcopal Cathedral Foundation, 1100 Sumter Street, St., Columbia, SC 29201 or to the SC Oncology Associates Cares Foundation, 166 Stoneridge Dr. #100, Columbia, SC 29210 in recognition of Bradley W. Word, MD.

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