Penelope Elizabeth Shelfer Heinze

Penelope Elizabeth Shelfer Heinze, affectionately known to some as "Penny", passed away on March 3, 2024. She was born on January 9, 1957 to parents Fred Shelfer and Betty Lou Boynton Shelfer in Tallahassee, Florida. Penelope was a member of the first class of Maclay School when it was founded. She also attended Lively Technical College, Tallahassee Community College, Santa Fe Community College, Florida State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, and Stetson College of Law where she obtained her Juris Doctorate. With the exception of her extensive schooling, Penelope spent the majority of her life in the Havana, Florida area and opened her own practice as a defense attorney prior to retiring.
Those who knew Penelope will remember her for her heart of gold: she always remained positive and always managed to see the best in every person she encountered. She believed she could do anything she set her mind to, and that love was more important than anything. She greatly loved her husband Michael of 28 years and her daughter Carmen, who was her proudest accomplishment of all. Penelope without a doubt impacted countless lives throughout her career and her life in general. What a lot of people didn't know about Penelope is that she loved gardening – although she was admittedly not particularly gifted at it. After years of attempts, she finally got her Christmas cactus to bloom for the very first time shortly before her passing. Penelope also fed a vast number of sparrows, wrens, finches and cardinals. Her favorite one, Big Red, will really miss her.
Survivors include her loving husband of nearly 30 years, Michael Joseph Heinze; daughter Carmen Giddon; grandchildren Lola and Beatrice; siblings Fred Shelfer, Jim Shelfer, Bruce Shelfer and Steve Shelfer as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family members. Penelope was preceded in passing by her parents.
A memorial service will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church on Monday, March 11, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with a committal service to immediately follow at Shelfer Cemetery of Havana, Florida. A celebration of Penelope's life will be held at the Dogwood House (2552 Capital Circle NE) once services have concluded.
Breanna Green of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with their arrangements.