Dessie Heath Obituary

DESSIE REE HEATH, 93 ROCKFORD - Dessie Ree Heath, 93, of Rockford departed this earthly life Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2007, in her home. Born May 22, 1914, one of 14 children to Joe and Carrie MacAfee. Dessie started her educational career early on after graduation, being awarded her own school at the age of 19 in 1934. A few years later, Dessie met a quartet singing gospel preacher at Jackson College by the name of Daniel Webster Heath. They were married on Dec. 10, 1937, in Indiana. Dessie experienced a miscarriage of twins before bearing her first son, Oscar Daniel Heath Sr., in 1944, and her second son, John Milton Heath, in 1945. Nine years later the Heath family would move from Roanoke, Va., to Rockford. The Rev. and Mrs. Heath had already planted two or three churches by their arrival in Rockford in 1953. With a highly evangelistic ministry in her husband, Dessie had become well known among a few constituents for her upstanding and virtuous demeanor, as well as her passion for education and etiquette. She stood as an example and advocate for the preservation of the African-American Family. No one can forget her love for music and piano accompaniment for decades in the church. She loved playing songs and hymns, literally until her last days. Dessie was a pillar member along with her husband of the Christian Church Disciples of Christ. She was predeceased by husband and both sons, nine brothers and three sisters. Dessie leaves to honor her life sister, Minnie Foggy of California; grandsons, the Revs. Alphonso (Barbara) Heath and Monroe Quincy Heath of Rockford, Oscar D. (Leniece) Heath II of Atlanta; granddaughters, Lasandra Heath, Johnnie Heath of California; daughter-in-law, Elder Lucy O. Heath of Atlanta; "daughter," Elvira Moye of Rockford; goddaughter, Dee Dee Lambert of Rockford; and a host of friends and extended family. Services and repast will be held at Washington Park Christian Church, 801 Concord Ave., Rockford, IL 61102. Wake from 10 a.m. to noon, with service at noon, Saturday, Dec. 15; Pastor Barbara D. Heath of First Christian Church of Rockford will officiate. Elder Lucy O. Heath (Light of the World Christian Tabernacle, Atlanta) will deliver the eulogy. Arrangements provided by Collins and Stone Funeral Home. Repast and fellowship will commence immediately upon the return of the family from the burial services at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Published by Rockford Register Star from Dec. 14 to Dec. 20, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Dessie Heath

3 Entries

Joseph & Alma Irving

December 26, 2007

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Loni

December 14, 2007

To the Family of Dessie,

You all are in my thoughts and Prayers. "Bama", was a very special lady and loved by many.

Please do not hesitate to let me know if i can help in any way.

Virginia Williams

December 14, 2007

LIFE - A REASON, A SEASON, A LIFETIME

People come into your life for a Reason, a Season or a Lifetime.
When you know which one it is for a person,
you will know what to do for that person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON,
it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty,
to provide you with guidance and support,
to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend, and they are!
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part,
or at an inconvenient time,
this person will say or do something
to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die.
Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met,
our desire fulfilled, their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered,
and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON,
because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace, or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it! It is real!
But, only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons:
things you must build upon
in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson,
love the person,
and put what you have learned to use
in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind
but friendship is clairvoyant.

THANK YOU FOR BEING A PART OF MY LIFE.