Gail Heebner

1948 - 2017

Rebecca Gail Culp Heebner, was born December 31, 1948 in Mayfield, Kentucky, and died November 27, 2017 in Raleigh, NC. She is predeceased by her beloved husband, Dan Heebner; her mother, Nina Opal Story Culp; and her brother, Gary Keith Culp. Surviving her are her father, Glen D. Culp; her daughters Heather Lynn Heebner of Tucson, AZ and Angela Hope Heebner of Raleigh, NC; her step-daughter Octavia Brooks of Puerta Vallarta, Mexico; her Uncle James Ed and Aunt Barbara, of Eddyville, KY; many cousins in KY, TN,TX, AL, MO, IN, and OR; and her favorite four-legged companions, Misty and Buddy.
Gail grew up in Marshall County, her family moved to Greensboro, and then Raleigh where she graduated from Broughton High School in 1967. She graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1971 having majored in Psychology and earned a Master's in Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1974.
Gail was forever a champion of the underdog, particularly those who couldn't speak for themselves such as children and animals. She was a compassionate woman who never gave up on a friendship and made every effort to keep those who were important to her, in her life. She was also incredibly innovative and often ahead of her time. She created cutting-edge businesses and stood up for causes before they went mainstream.
As a young woman who just graduated from VCU, Gail began her career using her counseling degree to work for RCAP in Richmond, VA as an evaluation coordinator. She worked there for a few years making a difference one child at a time. She believed all children were special and important and by encouraging them to do their best, they would eventually become responsible and compassionate citizens of the world.
On November 25, 1978 Gail married her husband of 22 years, Dan Heebner. She often referred to her marriage day as the happiest of her life. Gail and Dan had many adventures together, sharing values, causes and endeavors.
Gail eventually changed career paths and decided to begin a Pet Sitting Company, Pet Sitters Inc. with her favorite poodle, Beethoven, who was Vice President. It was a new and innovative concept for the Richmond area and she was featured in the Times Dispatch newspaper. Gail wanted to work from home and not in an office. She wanted to provide pets an opportunity to stay in a homey environment instead of in a kennel. Animals and pets were important to her and she was always looking after their best interests in the most humane way possible.
In 1983 Gail and Dan embarked on one of their biggest challenges and best adventures of their lives. They adopted Heather and Angela and immersed the girls completely into their lives and provided them with two parents who loved them dearly, two cats, a poodle, and grandparents that loved them as much as they did. They always let them know that they were their best ""planned"" decision. Gail often told Heather and Angie that she loved them like the pulse of life itself. She will forever be adored and cherished by her children.
Gail's daughter, Heather, was the reason that Gail became interested in the cause for vegetarianism and animal rights activism. Heather told her mother that she would no longer eat meat and as Gail always did, she armed herself with information. At the time, Gail and her family lived next door to Tom and Nancy Regan. Tom was one of the leading Animal Rights Activists in the nation and a professor emeritus of philosophy at NCSU specializing in animal rights theory. He and Nancy were influential guides, shaping Gail's views about the ethical treatment of animals and helping her to become a leading member in the vegetarian community. On April 20, 1987, which happened to be the day of the Great American Meat Out, Gail launched the Triangle Vegetarian Society as the president and created the GrapeVine monthly newsletter. Gail was a leading voice in the cause for animals and was interviewed on countless occasions by the Raleigh News and Observer and several other news outlets. Gail continued throughout her life to embrace vegetarianism and the rights of animals who can't speak for themselves.
Around 2001 Gail embarked on a new business adventure and began remodeling houses as Feng Shui Renovations. Each house was Gail's creation, resulting in the most unique and comfortable homes. Selling her homes was a match-making process of buyer personality with the energy and design of her home. Gail developed many friendships with her team members. Most of these special homes can be found in the Lake Park subdivision of Raleigh.
Gail retired from Feng Shui renovations in 2008. That year, Nina Opal Culp, Gail's mother, broke her hip and from then on Gail took care of Nina to make sure she was comfortable in every way possible. Gail loved her mother so much, and loved taking care of her. In June 2016 Nina Opal passed away. Gail was forever grateful she had all this extra time with her beloved mother.
Throughout the past 25 years, Gail lived in Lake Park. She made many friends in her neighborhood and everyone cared about her immensely. Gail started a committee she called ""the neighborhood beautification project,"" where she bagan by supporting neighbors in keeping yards and streets pristine. She helped bring neighbors together into a closer-knit community, working together for the betterment of the neighborhood. She loved being a part of the Lake Park community. She had no idea how beautiful her soul was and how much all of her efforts shined through and inspired others.
Gail was a ball of fire full of energy, who brought so much joy and love into our lives. She was spiritual and a deeply loving human being who lived by the ""sunshine principle:"" The truth can be hurtful but it is never harmful.
Gail loved Maya Angelou, and this quote feels appropriate: ""I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.""
There are not enough words to describe how much she meant to all of us and how much we will all miss her. Gail will be terribly missed by all of her family and friends. Her memory will forever be in our hearts and souls. We love you and wish you the best on your next adventure.
Memorial Webpage: cremationsocietync.com/resource/obituary
Memorial Services will be held Sunday, December 3, 2017, 1:00 pm, Cremation Society of the Carolinas, 2205 E. Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC 27604, 2:30-3:30pm - Graveside service - Raleigh Memorial Park, 3:30-5:30pm -Reception/Wake - Cremation Society of the Carolinas.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation In Memory of Gail Heebner to one of these worthy organizations: Second Chance Pet Adoptions, https://www.secondchancenc.org/ 919-851-8404, secondchance@secondchancenc.org, 6003 Chapel Hill Road, Suite 133, Raleigh, NC 27607-5148; Carolina Poodle Rescue, http://www.carolinapoodlerescue.org/ 864-489-3559, applications@carolinapoodlerescue.org, 6705 Union Hwy., Pacolet, SC 29372; National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, NAMI of North Carolina, https://naminc.org/get-involved, 309 W Millbrook Rd. # 121, Raleigh, NC 27609.