Barbara W. Heflin's Obituary
Barbara W. Heflin was promoted to glory on Sunday, February 25, 2024 and joined her beloved husband, Dean, on the welcome bench at the pearly gates.
Barbara was born on August 23, 1935 in Lexington, Kentucky to parents Harold and Irene Wilson. At the age of five, her family returned to Fort Myers where she resided in SW Florida for the remainder of her life. She was baptized on July 4, 1949 at Ft. Myers Christian Church. Barbara attended Tice Elementary, Ft. Myers Junior and Senior High School, graduating from the “new” Ft. Myers High on June 1, 1953. She loved school and had perfect attendance for all 12 years. She was a member of Ft. Myers Junior/High School band 4th to 12th grade playing clarinet. She was quite talented and sat clarinet solo chair for four years. Barbara also was a pianist in her adult life, self-taught, and enjoyed playing along with her daughters as they played clarinet and flute.
In her late teenage years, Barbara worked at McCrory’s downtown Ft. Myers in the toy department. She then began work at the packing house in the bookkeeping department, located where the US 41 bridge is now. After high school, she became a Dental Assistant to Dr. Zimmerman in downtown Ft. Myers and worked for him until she married Dean Heflin. She met Dean on the streets of downtown Ft. Myers, literally, as she walked from Dr. Zim’s office along the sidewalk to lunch. To their surprise, they had mutual friends who set them up on a blind date. On Sunday, January 1, 1956, they married at First Methodist Church, Sebring, FL with the Rev. Jeffries Rees officiating and two witnesses. This was the beginning of a lifelong love of 67 years.
After 10 years in Arcadia, FL, the now family of four returned to Ft. Myers in 1967. On May 2, 1971, Barbara and Dean joined Covenant Presbyterian Church. Both of their daughters were confirmed and baptized at Covenant by Rev. Claude Allen, Jr. This was the start of many years of joyous service to God by both of them.
In 1975, after being a full-time mother during her daughter’s young lives, Barbara began her “ministry” as Church Secretary/Business Coordinator to Rev. Dolphus J. Allen, Jr. at Covenant. She continued to serve her church as Secretary with other ministers at Covenant including Rev. Dr. David Berry, Rev. Dr. David Swanson, and numerous Interim Pastors. During Barbara’s career she also served as Administrative Assistant with the Rev. Dr. John Hunt at Faith Presbyterian Church in Cape Coral and worked as Office Coordinator with Claude Allen Realty before returning to Covenant to work until her retirement.
In 2008, Barbara became a full-time volunteer at Covenant Presbyterian Church, serving as Office Coordinator/Administrative Assistant until her death. During this time, she served with Interim Pastors Rev. Dr. Taylor Hill and Rev. Dr. Kathleen Weller; Senior Pastors, Rev. Dan Hagmaier and Rev. Dr. Jeffrey DeYoe; and was currently serving with Covenant’s Interim Pastor, Rev. Bill Teng.
Barbara and her husband, Dean, served as youth leaders 1974-76, where the group, under their leadership, grew to over 40 plus youth. They were instrumental in beginning the annual trip to Montreat College, Black Mountain, NC for the summer youth conferences. Barbara mentored many youth during their teenage years through the Youth Mentor program and deeply cherished the relationships that developed. Barbara also served as Ft. Myers High School Band Booster President during the early 70’s and assisted with a band trip to Mexico. She was ordained as an Elder at Covenant Presbyterian Church in 1991. In 2008, she served another three year term as Elder. She was appointed Clerk of Session in 2008 and served until her death. Continuing her love of music from her youth, she was a current member of the Jubilate Handbell Ringers and a charter member of the group, playing continuously since their inception in the late 1970’s. She served as Wedding Coordinator for many years and was a faithful member of the Presbyterian Women, Naomi Circle.
Barbara loved to travel and loved the mountains of North Carolina. She and Dean took many trips to various places in the US, Nova Scotia, Victoria and other areas of Canada. They always had room for a grandchild to go along or to travel with friends. Barbara also traveled to Mexico, Bahamas, and through Love Gifts from the church, took two Holy Land pilgrimages.
Barbara loved life and people. She was always available with a listening ear for anyone that needed someone to talk to. She was a good mother, wife and a cherished friend to many.
Her family includes two daughters, Deborah Maurer (Scott) and Deanna Gordon; grandchildren, Dean Thomas Gordon (Megan), Tatiana Maurer, and Alexander Maurer; sister-in-law, brother-in-law and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Barbara is predeceased by her husband, Dean M. Heflin; parents, Harold Wilson and Irene Wilson Dilmore; sister, Nancy Wilson Rollins; and granddaughter, Elizabeth Anne Maurer.
A Memorial Service will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a reception in Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a monetary donation to Covenant Presbyterian Church, designated to Barbara W. Heflin Memorial Fund.
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