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Loretta Heard Obituary

HEARD Loretta Heard, 71, six-term school board member passed away July 12, 2005 at The Columbus Rehabilitation and Subacute Care Facility. She was born on March 4, 1934 in Akron, Ohio to the late Lorenzo and Victoria (Grant) Jones. Always active in the community, Mrs. Heard began her service at Margaret Park Elementary School at the urging of her eldest son, Howard to respond to a PTA meeting notice. Loretta moved her family from Akron to Columbus in 1969 and began her long tenure of community service in the city as volunteer Librarian at Deshler Elementary School where her three children attended. Among many other activities, Loretta served in the late 1970's as the first black President of the Columbus Council of PTAs and in later years as a member of the Columbus Board of Education and the President of the National Organization, The Council of the Great City Schools. Loretta also served as the President of the Ohio Community Education Association. During this time, she was sent to both Israel and China on education expedition to observe and bring back teaching methodologies to the United States. Loretta was honored many times over the years. Among her many awards, she received The Mayor's Award of Volunteer Service, The Columbus Board of Realtors Woman of the Year Award, and The Council of Great City Schools Outstanding Leadership Award. In addition to volunteering, Loretta worked from 1999 until she retired in 2004 from CMACAO's Head Start Training Program. She was preceded in death by her brother Forrest Jones and sister Martha (Jones) Turner. She is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Hubert; children, Howard (Tracy) Heard, Lindell Heard and Robert (Rhonda) Heard; grandchildren, Robin and Royce Heard; and sister, Inez (Jones) Gibson. Friends may view from 3-9 p.m. Sunday, July 17, 2005 at Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church, 1650 Wilson Ave., where the family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m Service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, July 18, 2005 at Smyran Missionary Baptist Church. Bishop Fred Marshall officiating. Arrangements entrusted to GARY MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 867 S. James Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43227, 235-(GARY) (4279).

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Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Jul. 16 to Jul. 17, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Loretta Heard

26 Entries

Linda McNulty

July 25, 2005

Dear Heard family,

I did not know Mrs. Heard but, I do know Howard and Tracy. We live across the street from Tracy's mom in Akron. Uncle Howard and Aunt Tracy are very endeared to my children. Howard,you have a great reflection of your mother in you and I can tell by the wonderful man you have grown to be that you had a wonderful mother guiding you and teaching. We are very saddened by your loss and offer our prayers and sympathy.

respectfully,

Dr. and Mrs Jeff Kontak and family

Carol Kuhman

July 20, 2005

Dear Hubert and family,

May God comfort you now and always. My father-in-law, Lawrence Goodwin, was at OSU and at Specialty Select at the same time as Loretta. You will remember me as a former coworker of Hubert's at OBES. Lawrence, too, passed away on July 12. Perhaps they travelled together on their journey. On behalf of my husband, Joe Goodwin, and me, I offer our sincere condolences to you on your loss.

Arnett Howard

July 19, 2005

All of the joyful noises that we make in Columbus schools next year will be in your honor, Mrs. Heard. Thanks for being there as our schools made the transition from the darkness of segregation to the celebrations of diversity. Your dignity led us through. Bright moments!

Lisa Frew

July 19, 2005

Howard,

I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

Vernita Doyle

July 18, 2005

To Mr. Heard and Family,you have my deepest heartfelt condolences. I work with Mrs. Heard and the Columbus, P.T.A.. She was my incouragment as a young mother to stay strong and incourage my children, to be all they could be. Thank God for Mrs. Heard.

Kathryn Lee

July 18, 2005

Dear Hubert and Family: Sending our deepest sympathy in the loss of your beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and community leader. May you find some comfort in knowing that we share your sorrow. Mrs. Lee & Mrs. Brown (Your long ago Springdale customers.)

Billie & Wentford Caldwell

July 17, 2005

Hubert,Howard,Lindel,& Robert,

To a dear and loving friend always. We will miss you very much. May God be with you Hubert and your family through this time of sorrow.May you find comfort and strength knowing that others care and share in your sorrow. GOD is our refuge and strength....Psalm 146:1

Linda K. Welch

July 17, 2005

Robert, Lindell, and Howard Heard and Family,

You certainly have my condolences at the loss of dearly beloved mother. Mrs. Heard is certainly an Icon in Columbus. I remember her presence as a young girl growing up in the Southside of Columbus and attending Southmoor Jr. High and South High School with her children. She was one of few parents who presence was felt during those years. She has truly served the children of the Columbus Public Schools and Columbus.

God Bless You. Her legacy will live on through each of you.

Demetria Armstrong and Family

July 16, 2005

To Mr.Robert,Mrs.Rhonda,Robin and Royce: I'm so sorry about your loss. Just know that God is with all of you always and that your mother and grandmother is with you always. We all love you and are continuing to pray for you and your family. May God Bless You!!!!!!

Janet Stich

July 16, 2005

Howard, Tracy and Family of Mrs. Heard: I am so sorry to hear of your mother's death. I know you will miss her very much but I also know you have many wonderful memories of her and her great work in the community. My deepest sympathy. Janet Stich

Mozelle Allen

July 15, 2005

To the family of Mrs. Heard:I am sorry to hear about your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Mrs. Heard in Head Start; she was a kind and humble person. She was a service to others and that is the rent we pay for our room in Heaven. May God grant you peace in this most difficult time.

Phyllis Rose

July 15, 2005

Condolences to the family of Mrs. Heard. The fruits of her dedication and labor will continue to enrich our community.

Phyllis Rose, Columbus Public Schools

Anonymous

July 15, 2005

Grace is defined as the ability to keep your head while those around you are losing theirs. Mrs. Heard was the epitome of grace. Thank you for your hard work for the children of Columbus.

NORMA J COLLINS

July 15, 2005

WHEN A BEAUTIFUL SOUL HAS GONE HOME TO BE WITH THE LORD; KNOW THAT YOUR FAITH, LOVE, AND MEMORIES WILL COMFORT YOU.

Angelia Tolliver

July 15, 2005

My condolences to the family. May God bless and keep you in this time of sorrow.

jeffrey james

July 15, 2005

Dear Heard family. My deepest and warmest heartfelt condolences to you. Mrs. Heard will surely be missed by me and my family. May God keep you and continue to bless you.

Janie Wheeler

July 14, 2005

Dear family,

May God provide you with support required for you during this time of sorrow. My prayers are with you. Her services to the community will always be remembered.

Janie Wheeler

300 North Holden Road

Greensboro, North Carolina 27410

Pat Gates

July 14, 2005

I am saddened that the community and school district has lost such a great source of support with the passing of Mrs. Loretta Heard. Our loss cannot be measured. Her warm smile brought much sunshine to my life. I will miss her and sharing recipes with her, but am greatly blessed for having known her.

Renee Cook

July 14, 2005

Loretta will be missed. She was a true friend to the children of the Columbus schools. I worked with her and am happy to call her my friend. We lost touch in the last few year's...but, she has always been in my heart.

To the family, she loved you dearly and she loved you well.

She'll always be there...even when it rains...just beyond the rainbow.

Renee

dick coldren

July 14, 2005

Condolences to the family. Mrs Heard was a great lady, Board member, PTA leader, and a genuine friend. She will be remembered for all of her strong desire to build and to serve our community. Dick Coldren

Cynthia Stewart

July 14, 2005

A great, strong and very smart woman who has many friends and a great family who loves her greatly. You will be missed. I send my condolences. A friend of Traci and Howard

Denise Sherrod

July 14, 2005

Howard and Family,

So sorry to hear of your loss. Your family will be in my prayers.

Sharon Unrau

July 14, 2005

Mrs. Heard will be missed. Sincere sympathy to her family.

Sharon Unrau, Ph.D.

Columbus Public Schools Teacher

Janet Brunson

July 14, 2005

Howard and Tracy,

I was sadden to hear about your mother's death. You both have my deepest sympathy.

Janet Brunson (Event Planner from LACCD Festival)

Mary Crabtree

July 14, 2005

I will miss Mrs. Heard. She was my neighbor as well as a board member of the school district in which I am employed as administrative secretary to the deputy superintendent. My prayers and deepest sympathies are with the family.

Debra Stewart

July 14, 2005

My heart felt sympathy goes out to the Heard family. I've known and worked with Ms. Heard for several years and will miss her wonderful smile very much. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.

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