Margaret Heyward

Margaret Anne passed away peacefully after living a fulfilling life at the age of 88 years old in Jacksonville, Florida on June 5, 2021. Born 1933 in Virginia, she was loved by many and known for her shining light smile and likeable personality.

She was a faithful Navy Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Teacher and Friend to many.

She graduated from the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia in 1956 with a degree in Elementary Education.

She was a Flight Attendant and met her husband, the love of her life in California and they were married soon after in 1958.

Throughout her life one of her passions was teaching Preschool or reading to local school children. One of her accomplishments was orchestrating the making of over 100 handmade quilts that were mailed and given to orphans in Lesotho, Africa.

Her hobbies are gardening, writing, bird watching, playing the piano, sewing, quilting, and attending Bible Studies and Ladies’ groups.

Her faith in Jesus was an important part of her life and she loved to read the bible and remember her favorite verses. One of her most quoted verses was “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

All who know her and love her were touched by her love and observed her ability to persevere through every challenge she faced in life.

She loved reaching out to people with a phone call, visit or by mailing encouraging notes and cards.

Margaret Anne is survived by her husband, two children and three grandchildren.

Her family is celebrating her life privately. Since she loved aromatic and colorful flowers and gardens, if you would like to do something in memory of her life, please feel free to plant a garden, flower, tree, or bush or give to your favorite charity.

Tribute to My Mother Margaret Anne Heyward
August 21, 2021
Here are some of my favorite memories and stories about my mother. Our relationship began when I wanted to be born on the Coronado Ferry in California, but my mom preferred that she deliver me at the Hospital. We soon moved to the East Coast and mom loved and cared for me through every move our family made which was every few years. We have quite a lot in common. We love to ride bicycles, climb trees, play in the woods, play games, play tennis, cross-stitch, work in the garden, spend time on the beach, steer a boat, sing songs, cook, instruct children, play piano, love our dogs, and love Jesus. Also, we both love aromatic flowers. I loved to pick flowers for my mother when I was a child and I continued to do so throughout our lives.
Mom was my cheerleader, spectator, supporter and friend. When I was a child, she read me stories and took me to church. One day, my “Big Wheel” was missing, and Mom went around the neighborhood until she found it. I always had a proper full breakfast and homemade lunches to take to school. One memory I have is when I had forgotten my lunch at home. I was in high school at the time and suddenly, I heard, “Bethy, you forgot your lunch.” Mom brought my brown lunch bag into the school lunchroom with everyone staring at us. At that time, I did not like the apple peel. Mom would use her expertise to peel the apple and then put it back on so that it would not turn brown. Each day, friends who I sat with at lunch would watch to see if there was an apple in my paper bag. Then they would watch as I unwound the apple peel to see how many breaks the peel had. Sometimes mom would be able to peel it without it breaking and then everyone would be amazed. Also, she made delicious homecooked meals and we ate as a family each night.
She attended my sports games and helped me get into college. She always wrote me letters and sent cards for many occasions and holidays. When I left to go to Africa, she helped me sell my stuff and each time I came back, she bought things for my home. A few times she found furniture next to dumpsters or on the side of the road like my favorite rocking chair. She loved to go shopping with me and help me decide what to buy. We loved to go eat seafood or Mexican food together.
She typed a copy of all my Peace Corps letters and mailed them out to people, so they could hear about my experiences. She also contacted newspapers and they wrote articles about me.
While I was in Africa we enjoyed talking on the phone and sharing what was going on in our lives. She updated me on what was happening in our family’s lives and at home.
In the last few months of her life, I visited her at the nursing home, hospital, and hospice. I would pick her a bouquet of flowers or a magnolia flower along the road or, in the park, where I lived just as I had done as a child. When I arrived, I would allow her to smell the sweet aroma, see the assortment of colors and types of flowers and that made her smile and happy. Also, each time I visited my mom, we sang a hymn and worshipped Jesus together. Then I would read her some bible verses and pray the pain would go away, and that God would give her peace and perseverance.
Our family friend, Windy had given mom a prayer blanket which was her favorite possession that she kept with her up until the last days of her life. To me the prayer blanket was a symbol of her faith in the power of prayer and showed the importance of her relationship with Jesus.
Many years ago, Mom mentioned to me how she had prayed to God in the name of Jesus, committed her life to Him and made Him the Lord of her life. Also, I observed her regularly reading and studying God’s word, praying and meeting with other believers which showed her love and trust in God. Therefore, I believe as the Holy Bible says that she is born-again, and her name is written in the book of life. I am thankful to God that I have the assurance that I will meet my mother again in Heaven.
You may contact me If you would like more information about how you can have a relationship with Jesus that leads to eternal life in Heaven.
Written by Elizabeth Anne Heyward Margaret Anne Heyward’s Obituary: https://www.quinn-shalz.com/obituary/Margaret-Heyward