Louise (Key) Heeden

Louise Key Heeden passed away Friday, June 6, 2025, just 15 days prior to her 77th birthday. She was born June 21, 1948 the youngest and last surviving child of W. Early and Iva Stewart Key. Having grown up in Guilford County and Eau Gallie, Florida, it was the time in Eau Gallie that instilled in her a life-long love of the beach.

Lou is survived by her husband of 40 years, Dr. Louis F. Heeden, two daughters Jenny Norfleet Ryan (Charles) and Mary Nash Norfleet, one son Matthew Heeden (Sarah), two step-daughters, Christy Morgan Strauss and Mary North Morgan Asmus, and grandchildren Reagan Baker, Kate Ryan, Carter Baker, James Heeden, Andrew Heeden, Nicholas Strauss, and Sarah Davis.

Lou's passion for the beach was matched by her love for dancing, beach music, landscaping and flowers. Her gardenias and orchids brought great joy. One would be hard-pressed to find a more genuine person than Louise. Her sharp wit and incredible sense of humor created in her a person that everyone desired to spend time with. Her demeanor and low tolerance for anything being done halfway, was one of the guiding principles of her very full and remarkable life. Louise was for many years the owner of Team Sports in Greensboro and a sports enthusiast herself; organizing a women's softball team and an indoor soccer league. Her grandchildren's performances and games required both Lou's attention and attendance! Finally, the love Lou had for her grandchildren was (almost) as strong as the love she had for the many animals that graced their house through the years. Louise was a shining example of strength and courage to her family and friends. She will be sorely missed. William Wordsworth is quoted as saying "the best portion of good man's life is his little nameless unremembered acts of kindness and love."