With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Nana, Glenda “Gay” Heckford, on March 5, 2025, at the age of 84. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who brought warmth, love, and a little extra patience to everyone she knew—especially to her occasionally grumpy husband, whom she balanced out with warmth and grace for 59 wonderful years.

Born on March 3, 1941, Nana grew up in West Monroe, Louisiana, and graduated from West Monroe High School. She went on to enjoy a long career before retiring from Wye Electric, but her greatest joys were found in her family, her kitchen, and the simple pleasures of life.  A woman of many passions, Nana found joy in fishing (despite never learning to swim), tending to her plants, and collecting rooster décor to fill her home. She had a knack for making everyone feel welcome at her table, and her cooking was legendary—her Mexican cornbread, dressing for turkey, homemade biscuits and SOS will be dearly missed but forever cherished. She never let those she called family visit without stocking their favorite snacks and drinks. She could predict the showcase price on The Price Is Right with uncanny accuracy and spent years knocking down pins on her bowling team. Nana loved dirt track racing (cheering on her son-in-law, Bubba, as well as Ryan Newman in NASCAR), and always made sure her home was filled with love and laughter.

Nana is survived by her loving husband, Jessie Heckford; two daughters, Tammy (Jeff) Lee and Kandy (Bubba) Mullins; as well as her five grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren, all of whom she adored beyond measure. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mack and Helen Beard, and her beloved son, Chad Heckford.

Her warmth, generosity, and steady presence will be deeply missed but never forgotten. She leaves behind a family who will carry her love forward and countless memories that will forever bring smiles to our faces.

Rest easy, Nana. You were deeply loved, and your light will shine on in all of us.

A celebration of her life will be held at 3:00 P.M., Sunday, March 9, 2025 at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in West Monroe.  Pastor Jeff Lee and Pastor Jason Beard will be officiating.  Visitation will be at 1:00 P.M. until time of service.

Serving as honorary pallbearers are Duston Boyd, Dillon “Bud” Mullins, Aaron Lee, Doug Ganey, Bubba Mullins, Thomas Mullins and Alister Boyd.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor her memory by sharing a meal with loved ones, tending to a garden, or simply enjoying a peaceful moment by the water—just as she would have loved.

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Glenda "Gay" Heckford, please visit our Tribute Store.