Murlene McGuire Heilman, age 86, of Gardendale, Alabama passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. She was a retired teacher from Jefferson County serving over 30 years in grades K-9. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church Midfield where she taught Sunday School and was a choir member. For the last 16 years she resided in Gardendale and has been a faithful member of Gardendale First Baptist and the Lydia Sunday School class. Being a creative person, she put her talents to work after teacher retirement as the co-owner of Elegant Touch Bridal & Formal Wear. She then went back to the classroom as a beloved substitute teacher until the age of 81.
Mrs. Heilman was born in Haleyville, AL to P.F. and Jewel Cheatham McGuire. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of nearly 50 years, John Kirk Heilman; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Oscar and Eugenia Kirk Heilman; sister-in-law, Jill Stevens and brothers-in-law, Dr. Truett Guffin, John Akin, David Wright and Larry Stevens.
She is survived by her daughters, Jane Houchins and her husband Rick; Joan Patrick and her husband Dale; twin sister, Maurene Guffin; sister Charlotte Akin; Brother, John McGuire (Marilyn); grandchildren, Bryant (Haley), Taylor and John Mark Houchins; Lauren Patrick Brown (Alex); Austin Patrick (Abby); great-grandchildren Braxton, Emmie and Braley Houchins and soon-to-be James Alexander Brown, IV; sister-in-law Jack Wright and a host of loved nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, May 20, 2022 at 2:00 pm at Gardendale First Baptist Church with Visitation for friends at 1:00. Burial will be held earlier, for family only, at Oakwood Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, Murlene would love for donations to be made to the Alabama Baptist Children's Homes.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsgardendalechapel.com for the Heilman family.
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