Nina Marcella Heard

Nina Marcella Heard – born on December 15, 1960 as an only child to Osteen & Dolores Marcella Cawthon in Los Angeles, California. Nina had an angel’s heart of love for everyone, especially the children, as she would kiss and pinch the little one’s cheeks immediately upon introduction.

Nina received her early education in Los Angeles, attending John Burroughs Middle School and Los Angeles High School, where she graduated in 1978. Later on in life, Nina continued her education and obtained her Associates Degree in Liberal Arts at Santa Monica College. She also attended Aenon Bible College, West Coast under Provost Norma E. Jackson, who served as one of Nina’s spiritual mentors.

As a child, Nina attended ballet classes, took piano and acting lessons & participated in other extra-curricular activities. Nina enjoyed roller skating, horse-back riding, bike riding, attending & writing plays & musicals and going to Disneyland every year with her mom.

As a result of Nina’s mother remarrying, Al Chappelle, whom Nina fondly called “Dad”, became a father to her. She was welcomed into the Chappelle family and instantly gained a cousin & friend in Michelle Beal. As this friendship blossomed, Nina was invited to youth church activities and eventually, Sunday services.

Nina was an energetic & bubbly individual, whose smile brought love & light to any room. So much so, that she captured the heart of a charming young man from Cincinnati, Ohio by the name of Terrel (Terry) Heard in 1979. Terry shared the Good News of Jesus Christ and afterward Nina responded by being baptized in the name of Jesus and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost at the Church of Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith (“COJC”) founded by Pastor Leroy A. Chappelle & Vera Chappelle, who were affectionately known as Uncle Leroy & Aunt Vera. After placing their membership in the church, Terry & Nina were married on June 20, 1981. They moved to Santa Monica, and started their life together. Three and a half years later, their daughter Noel Marcella Heard was born.

During her membership at COJC, Nina was faithfully involved in several ministries over the past four decades including, Young Missionaries and Altar Workers teams, Outreach Ministry, Juvenile Hall Ministry, Christian Women’s Auxiliary Advisor, and Sunday School Teacher. Additionally, Nina had such a warm spirit & love of adventure, she and Terry hosted the visiting Pastors & Evangelists throughout the years which established lifelong friendships.

The decision to lead a rich God-filled life, provided Nina the opportunity to be a mentor to many young people and to have a lasting impact on those around her. Terry & Nina opened their home to numerous international students, where they cooked and provided a loving environment, as though they were their natural parents. Nina displayed love and furthered her impact with these individuals from various parts of the world, where she developed & maintained endearing friendships.

In recent years, Nina became a member of Spirit & Life Ministries in Pacoima, led by Pastor Stephen Hamilton. Nina also enjoyed fellowshipping with North Park Apostolic Church pastored by Anthony Mark Garcia and the Apostolic Church of Indio pastored by Luciano Montes.

Nina’s career began with the Southern Pacific Railroad and ultimately landed at Loyola Marymount University (“LMU”), where she was employed for 17 years. While at LMU, she developed friendships & connections that would have a lasting impact on the lives of those she encountered.

To say that Nina loved to travel is an understatement - she loved to plan the next vacation and adventure. Whether with her late mother Dolores, husband Terry, daughter Noel or friends & family, Nina was blessed to travel to many countries.

Nina continued to experience God’s mercy throughout the whole process of being diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer. The Lord continually showed up for Nina with miracles and blessings! One major blessing for Nina was to witness her beautiful daughter Noel and (now son) Jacques Arzu’s wedding, at Providence Saint John’s Health Center chapel. She got dressed up as the mother-of-the-bride and was able to celebrate the lovely couple’s wedding and proclaim a blessing over their marriage.

Nina was preceded in death by her parents, Dolores & Al Chappelle and Osteen Cawthon, and her in-laws Willie Heard, Jr. & Beatrice Heard.

Nina will forever be missed by many who love her - a devoted husband of forty years Terry Heard, daughter Noel Arzu, son-in-law Jacques Arzu, brother-in-law Wanzo (W.J.) Jones, stepmother Gloria Cawthon, aunt Ester Heidlberg, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and godchildren along with extended family – and best friends Michelle Beal, Michal Blazic, Angela Sheppard & Julie Schultz, many friends, co-workers & loved ones throughout the entire world.

On Saturday - August 21, 2021 - the Lord called Nina home and we are convinced that she was indeed included in the “they” which are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life – Revelation 21:27.

Special Acknowledgment

Providence Saint John’s Health Center & Saint John’s Physicians Partners – Santa Monica

The family of Nina Heard would like to sincerely thank the doctoral staff (i.e. Dr. Manali Shendrikar, Dr. Grace Chang, Dr. Akanksha Sharma, Dr. Lisa Chaiken and others) & all of the wonderful office and hospital staff for their excellent care of our dear wife & mother. To say “thank you” doesn’t quite convey our deepest appreciation for all that you have done. To the doctors, nurses, medical technicians, support staff and all who played a significant part in Nina’s care, you all are exemplary in your profession. We appreciate the extraordinary kindness. Your display of love to us will never be forgotten & will forever remain in our hearts. Many thanks to all of you!

– Terry Heard & Noel Arzu

A homegoing service for Nina will be held Friday, September 10, 2021 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park and Mortuary, 1218 Glendon Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gkgmm.com for the Heard family.