Genevieve Bullard Heckle

Genevieve (Jenny) Bullard Heckle of Sanford, NC passed away peacefully on July 19th, 2026 with her family by her side at the age of 98.

Genevieve was born October 17, 1927 in the Sweet Home community of Horry County SC to Onslow and Florine Bullard. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband JD, her step-daughter Carolyn Brown (Lindy), brothers MacLauren Bullard (Becky), Carlisle Bullard (Elsie), Archie Bullard (Hettie), sister Patricia Morrow, sisters-in-law Narvalene Noe (Grover), Mattie Wise (Bonnie) Fairy Blake(JP) Beuthena Wise (Hammie), Alma Hendrix (John) Adelaide Miles (Abner), brothers-in-law Marion Heckle (Inez), Julias Heckle (Daisy), Sonny Heckle.

Jenny is survived by her son Alan Heckle (Deborah) of Sanford, daughter Donna Heckle (Jack Brickey ) of Sanford, granddaughter Logann Welborn (Matthew) of Pfafftown, grandsons Casey Brickey of Raleigh, Halton Brickey of Austin, TX, Cody Heckle (Natalie) of Sanford, six great grandchildren Laurel, Meadow, Henderson, Evander, Flora and Ransom, as well as her truly beloved nieces and nephews.

Genevieve grew up in a close family, the middle child of 5, on a farm in the Sweet Home community. Her Grandfather, Ransom Butler, ran a general store nearby and she shared many happy memories through the years of her time growing up there. The family moved to Fayetteville, NC where she graduated from high school. After high school, Jenny went to work as a telephone operator when they used the “ number please” system. Living almost a century, she witnessed more than a few changes to the telephone she used to know. She later taught kindergarten at Steel Street United Methodist church. Her compassion and love for all things small shone through in all aspects of her life and she took this into her kindergarten class.

In 1947, she met a handsome steel guitar player by the name of JD Heckle at a tent show where he was playing. In 1948 they were married and moved to Sanford shorty afterwards. They bought their first little house and settled down here to raise a family. Jenny helped JD in all aspects of his life. She even learned to pour iron in their backyard where they made various little trinkets in those early days. Genevieve never shied away from learning something new. She and JD were married 40 years until his death in 1988.

She joined Steel Street United Methodist Church and then later, St Luke United Methodist Church where she remained an active and faithful member for the rest of her life. She taught Children's Sundays School classes, Vacation Bible School and volunteered at countless church suppers and meetings. The church and her faith were her foundation and where she drew her strength. She and her dear friend, Louise Ray, found the strength to volunteer together delivering Meals On Wheels to the elderly and home bound folks until she was 90 and Louise was 96. She practiced her strength through faith and her faith through strength every day of her life.

Genevieve was a wonderful community volunteer as well. She was the PTA mom, carnival volunteer, room mother, field trip chaperone and after school cookie baker! There was always some delectable treat to greet her kids after school. Alan and Donna were both partial to her date bar!

Genevieve was truly an extraordinary cook and homemaker. She loved everything about her kitchen, home and garden and excelled at all aspects of it. Everyone looked forward to sharing a meal at Jenny’s house. That was especially true of her kids’ friends. The yard she and Dad created is still amazing. Her son-n-law’s mom, Dee, described it as “growing up in a park” after a walk around her yard once. Much of the greenery in the spray and flowers today came from Jenny’s yard. She loved to decorate, cook and garden…loves she has passed down to her kids and grandkids.

Music was always a big part of life in Genevieve’s home. Guitars, piano and songs being sung were so often in the air there. Jenny was always known to carry a song in her heart and on her lips. She would burst into song at any moment even in her final days. A blessing to all who surrounded her.

Genevieve cherished her many friends. She, Louise Ray and Lib Prestwood had their weekend routine of fish on Friday nights, hamburgers and ice cream on Saturday nights, church on Sunday. Genevieve and Louise were faithfully at St Luke on Sunday mornings …then out to share a meal together after services. Actually, a little before services were completely over because they quietly snuck out a smidge early to get a good table for lunch at The Flame. Through the years other friends joined in occasionally on their routine such as their good friend Lucille Cameron. When Genevieve was told the angels found Louise last week, she clarified what she had heard and then rather than be sad she seemed happy for her. Genevieve was prepared for heaven through a life well lived!

The family would like to express their deep appreciation and heartfelt thanks to the many devoted and compassionate care givers Jenny had throughout her time at Park View Retirement. She never failed to refer to them as “Ladybug” or “Sunshine” brightening their day just a little. We would especially like to thank Bessie and Barbara for their loving care and compassion for Jenny in her final days. It gave the family much comfort knowing they were there.

A service celebrating Genevieve’s life will be held at St Luke United Methodist Church, 2916 Wicker St, Sanford, NC on Saturday, July 25th, 2026. The family will receive friends in The Lady’s Parlor one hour prior to the service. The Celebration of Life will begin at 11:00am in the church sanctuary. A private burial at Buffalo Cemetery, where Genevieve was laid to rest beside her loving husband, JD, took place earlier.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St Luke United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice.

                                                                                            ”Gone From My Site”

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze, and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength, and I stand and watch her until she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come down to mingle with each other. Then someone at my side says: “There! She’s gone!” Gone where? Gone from my sight – that is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side, and just as able to bear her load of living freight to the place of her destination. Her diminished size is in me, and not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says: “There! She’s gone!” there are other eyes that are watching for her coming; and other voices ready to take up the glad shout: “Here she comes!” And that is dying…

by Henry Van Dyke