Joy Heinbaugh

Joy Brown Heinbaugh, 75, of Charlotte, died Friday, April 13, 2012. She was born July 17, 1936, in Winder, GA, the only child of the late Homer Virgil Brown and Willie Mae Sheets Brown. She was a graduate of the Indiana University School of Music and taught elementary music in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System for nearly 40 years until her retirement. Joy was a gifted singer but never pretentious. She was well known and admired in the local music community and continued to teach private piano lessons in her home after her retirement. She was a member of Myers Park Presbyterian Church and a soprano soloist in the choir for nearly 40 years where they fondly called her “choir mom.” Robert Stigall, Director of Music and Organist, emeritus, of Myers Park Presbyterian Church, remarked that “Joy had a generous spirit and didn’t have a cantankerous bone in her body.”

Joy performed as a soloist with the Charlotte Symphony, Hickory Symphony, Charlotte Choral Society, Oratorio Singers, Festival Singers, Carolina Choral Artists, and in other local churches and temples. In addition, she sang various roles with the Charlotte Opera.

She is survived by her son, Brian (Kathy) Heinbaugh; daughter, Kristen (Adrian) Devine; four grandchildren, Maggie and Miller Heinbaugh; Zachary and Alexander Devine; and her beloved cat, KC. Extended family include Kenneth Houck Heinbaugh, sisters-in-law Dr. Nan Heinbaugh and Beth Baiter. The family wishes to thank the many special friends for their loving assistance and devotion to their mother and to them.

A celebration of her life will be held 2:00 pm Friday, April 20, 2012 at Myers Park Presbyterian Church, 2501 Oxford Place, Charlotte, NC 28207. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Myers Park Presbyterian Church Music Ministry or to a charity of the donor’s choice.