Naomi Burner Heishman

Naomi Burner Heishman, 92, of Woodstock, Virginia was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, November 23, 2023. Naomi was born to Esta Ritenour Coffman and Alfred Glenn Burner on April 30, 1931 in Fort Valley. She was a faithful member of Saumsville Christian Church where she served as a deaconess and Sunday School Teacher. Naomi was named a Deaconess Emeritus earlier this year. She was also a member of the Saumsville Christian Womens’ Fellowship. Her faith in the Lord was strong over her long life. She deeply loved her church family. Naomi worked as a waitress at Dorothy’s Inn, Mac’s Truck Stop and Hamilton Restaurant. She also worked at Safeway and IGA Groceries. Her last occupation was at Pine Meadows Assisted Living Facility for 21 years. She cared deeply for all the residents. She showed that compassion by cooking them delicious meals. She worked lovingly to keep the facility clean and bright. Naomi married the love of her life, Garland J. Heishman, Sr. on December 16, 1950 in Hagerstown, Maryland. Their loving marriage lasted over 55 years until his death on May 6, 2006. She also endured the death of her son Garland J. Heishman, Jr. to ALS on September 16, 2008. Her strong faith brought her through these great losses with strength and determination. Naomi gained a true friend and pen pal from England, Marion Thompson. This friendship started back in 1943 when Naomi was just 11. Decades later, both Naomi and Marion got in touch with their local papers and their friendship was featured in paper reports. The pair never missed celebrating a Holiday, birthday, anniversary, birth, or other family joyful event. They also comforted each other during times of sorrow. This wonderful friendship lasted until October 2019 when Marion passed away - 76 years! The two were never able to meet, but their bond was strong. Marion’s son Ian Stone has stayed in touch with Naomi through letters, phone calls and emails. This relationship will continue between Ian and Naomi’s daughters Marie and Carolyn. Naomi was a talented seamstress. She loved knitting, quilting, and crocheting. She lovingly made clothes for her daughters and shared her crocheting with family and friends. She knitted many caps for newborns. Naomi and her husband made two trips out west, and they visited all continental 48 states. Naomi loved to travel to Amish Country in Lancaster County, PA. She loved her trips to the Outer Banks with family. Her and Becky Feller would go to the beach in the morning to see the sunrise and listen to the ocean. Becky and mom would then return to the beach house to cook breakfast. They both had a good time feeding the group. Naomi was known for her delicious Blackberry Pies, Red Velvet Cakes, and Snickerdoodle cookies Besides being preceded in death by her husband and son, she was preceded in death by both parents, her step-father Gilbert K. Coffman, and a sister Gusta Lee Burner Foti (Frank). She is survived by daughters Marie H. Feller (husband Fred) of Saumsville, VA, Carolyn H. Miller (husband Wayne and nephew Wyatt) of Jerome, Virginia, grand-daughter Autumn Mantz and great grand-daughter Ashlyn Peace of Woodstock, VA and her faithful feline companion for many years Simba. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff at Warren Assisted Living and Consulate Health Care of Woodstock, VA for the care they provided Naomi during her illness. The family would also like to thank the staff at both Winchester Medical Center and Shenandoah Memorial Hospital for the care they provided during her recent stays. The family would like to thank Jeanette Day who cleaned for mom and assisted with other household chores. They shared many discussions about the Heishman family. The family also appreciates Bill Kruskza for all the many chores he did for mom and keeping her yard neatly mowed. A funeral service will be held at Saumsville Christian Church, 2035 Saumsville Road, Maurertown, VA 22644 on Friday December 1, 2023 at 11:00 am with graveside following. The family will receive visits before the funeral at 10:00 am. A meal will follow after the service in the church social hall. Pallbearers will be Rob Keller, Jeff Coffelt, Jerry Copp, Terry Martin, Cregg Coffelt, and Sonny LeDane. Honorary pallbearers will be Saumsville Christian Women’s Fellowship. Memorial donations can be made to Saumsville Christian Women’s Fellowship, 2035 Saumsville Road, Maurertown, VA 22644 or Furry Friends Rescue, 486 North Main Street, Woodstock, VA 22664. Online condolences may be made at www.valleyfs.com Arrangements are in the care of Heishman Funeral Home, Inc. Valley Funeral Service Branch, Edinburg.

Naomi Burner Heishman

April 30, 1931 - November 23, 2023