Mary Elizabeth Heflin

August 22, 1946 – June 16, 2025

Mary Elizabeth Heflin, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister passed away on June 16, 2025, at the age of 78, leaving a void her family cannot fill.

Mary was born in Bessmer, Alabama on August 22 of 1946. She lived a life of grit, laughter, and fierce devotion to those she loved. As the first-born daughter of an air force mechanic, Mary and her family lived in multiple locations. To hear her tell it she lived everywhere and would often tell her family and friends about the various events and occurrences of her upbringing. She married a marine, Donald L. Heflin Sr. and was married for over 50 years. Mary had 4 children, 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. She was known as “Nana” to her grandchildren/great grandchildren. Her house was often the “gathering” place for all kids in the neighborhood where she could make a home cooked meal fee like a hug.

Mary was preceded in death by her father Walden Burns, mother Hattie Bell (Wilson) Burns, her sister Martha Ann Burns, her brother Bill Burns and her husband, Donald L. Heflin Sr.

Mary is survived by her sister’s Violet Burns Bledsoe; Rose Burns Cox; Holly Burns Isbell; her children Donald L. Heflin Jr.; Daniel W. Heflin; Tammy L. (Heflin) Rogers; Lillian A. (Heflin) Schoffner; 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren

Next time you cook a home-cooked meal and gather around the table, think of Mary and tell a few stories of her life.

In lieu of flowers please send a donation to help with Alzheimer’s research to The Alzheimer’s Association or to Feeding America.