Anne Tevis Heffner

It is with heavy hearts and deep gratitude that we announce the passing of Anne Tevis Heffner, lovingly known as "Mimi," who departed this life on September 1, 2025, in Southaven, Mississippi surrounded by her family.

Born on August 12, 1947, in Oakridge, Tennessee, Anne dedicated her life to nurturing and educating those around her. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Sienna College in Memphis and shared her passion for learning and language as both an English and Spanish teacher at Horn Lake High School. Her joyful and caring nature left an indelible mark on the lives of her students, as she always remembered every one of their names and created an environment where they felt valued and supported.

Anne was a true Southern lady with a heart of gold. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond the classroom to her cherished family and friends. She wielded her love language through the thoughtful giving of gifts, ensuring that no event would ever find her empty-handed. Whether it was sending cards or sharing precious moments with her daughters, she had a remarkable way of transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary simply by being present. Memories abound of how she made mealtimes special and how, upon meeting her great-grandson Camden, she radiated love and joy that was palpable to all who witnessed it.

Her vibrant personality was a blend of joyfulness, wit, feistiness, and a grounded nature that brought warmth to all who know her. She was known for being solid and stubborn in the face of challenges, yet always maintaining that nurturing, caring heart. Anne was also a devoted member of the Alpha Delta chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma and an active participant in Longview Heights Baptist Church, where she built lasting friendships and served her community with a generous spirit.  She especially enjoyed serving in the Four Friends Special Needs Ministry.

A lover of SCC football and musical theater, Anne was a loyal patron of the Orpheum Theatre in Memphis and the DeSoto Family Theatre. Her passions brought joy not only to her own life but to those around her, igniting a shared love for the arts in her family.

Anne was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 37 years, LeRoy Heffner, and her parents, Graham Lloyd and Margaret Elizabeth (Ruhland) Tevis. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy through her daughters, Margie Abel (Stan) and Patti Jerome (William), her four grandchildren, Jessica Jerome, Allison Walcott (Winn), Patrick Jerome (Hanna), and Anna Abel (Colton Skidmore), and her three great-grandchildren, Ava Walcott, Wells Walcott, and Camden Roy Jerome. She is also survived by her dear sister Mary Hock, along with several nieces and nephews who cherished her deeply.

Anne's proudest accomplishments were becoming a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, as well as her ability to occasionally arrive somewhere on time - a testament to her sincere commitment to those she loved. As we gather to celebrate her remarkable life, we encourage everyone whose life has been touched by Anne to remember that her spirit of love, thoughtfulness, and joy continues to shine brightly in all our hearts.

A visitation will be held on September 5, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 11:00 AM, followed by a memorial service at 1:00 PM at The Carter Memorial Chapel at Twin Oaks Funeral Home in Southaven, Mississippi. As we come together to honor Anne’s life, let us remember the laughter she shared, the lessons she imparted, and the love she poured into this world.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Four Friends Special Needs Ministry at Longview Heights Baptist Church, 4501 Goodman Road, Olive Branch, MS 38654.