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The family of Sarah L. Heisel uploaded a photo
Thursday, January 17, 2019
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Sharon Ball posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Dear family, I just wanted to express my condolences to all of you. Sarah was such a special person to me. I use to fix her hair and I have lots of good memories of her. I'm sorry I didn't get to show my respects but I also just lost a family member at the same time. My heart goes out to all of you at this difficult time. It was a honor to have known her. What a blessing she was to me and my children. I will always remember her.
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Lynese Welch Barker posted a condolence
Monday, July 14, 2014
Where do you start to describe Sarah Heisel? I know in my heart that she would never ever believe that I am at a loss for words. Not only was she the greatest teacher, but she was an even better friend and "second mom." And did I mention softball? The woman LIVED for softball. She was never to tired to play or coach. All the summers of Little League - wow. What memories! And I always thought she had the "coolest" tag on her vehicle ever - simply "ALARKA." That too showed pure love of her home community. She will be missed dearly by so so many people. Rest in peace Sara and know that you were loved so very much. Until we meet again.
To John, Jeff and your families - may God grant you peace and many many happy memories to cherish your mom. All my love!
J
Jackie and Marian Fortner posted a condolence
Saturday, July 12, 2014
I worked with Sarah the first year she moved here and began her teaching
in the Alarka Elementary School. She was a good friend and an inspiration
to all who worked with her. Many years later I also worked with her in
the school system. She then told me about her son John and my son
Jackie. They were in her first class in the 6th grade at Alarka. John will
remember what the two did . She was one of Jackie's favorite teachers.
Rest in peace Sarah and may God bless and keep your family.
S
Shannon Bowers Vaughn posted a condolence
Saturday, July 12, 2014
teach·er noun ˈtē-chər
: a person or thing that teaches something; especially : a person whose job is to teach students about certain subjects
also known as....
educationist, educator, instructor, pedagogue, preceptor,headmaster, master, rector, schoolmaster; headmistress, instructress, schoolmarm , schoolmistress; coach, guide, guru, preparer, trainer; mentor, tutor, tutoress; drillmaster, inculcator; dean, docent, doctor, don, professor, academe, academic, academician, didact, pedant; governes; intern, catechist, lecturer, moralizer, preacher.
I called her friend...
I had met Sarah a few times, briefly, while growing up on Alarka. Our paths crossed and a formal introduction was made as she became my 7th grade teacher the first year Almond and Alarka merged into one school; the fall of 1986. She found a talent or a nack in every student who had the honor of being in her classroom. Sarah promptly imformed me my talent was writing. From then on encouraged and most times forced me to write. Over the first few months, she found out I was extremly creative, humorous, impressed at my proper grammar usage, very opionated and well read. I was her challenge. While finding the humor in everything; we had an english assigment that would for years be the identifing factor of her remembering me when I called her every year on or around her birthday August 16 th.
We each drew the name of a country out of a hat. Luck of the draw landed me Mozambique. I could not find this country in my grandmothers old encyclopedias. So I just winged it, put a little spin on it to keep it interesting. We were to write to citizens of America explaining in great detail of the country in which we lived in hopes to get a pen pal. I began to write a letter, explaining how at the end of the school year, Sarah ( Mrs H) was going to fly to my country and adopt me. I worked the banana groves during the day and taught myself to read and write english by bees wax candles at night with the books and special school assignments Sarah would mail to me. I talked of running from the militia and my only friends were a baby chimpanzie and Boa constrictor. I told how my parents where slaves on a sugar cane farm, I was being cared for by missionaires now, they found me near death in the jungle after falling down a 200 foot water fall. Every night over the sounds of gunfire I dreamed of the crickets, and creeks, living with electricity and running water.
To no longer sleep on a rock but in a real bed and to finally have a real pair of shoes. Sarah being a jokester her self , thought it would be funny if I addressed the letter to her parents. Gam and Big Dad, and she mailed this letter with no explaination of the imagination and creativity of the child who wrote out this assigment. It was truly a believeable letter. She had the best time laughing and telling us how her mom had called and asked her if she had lost her mind, running off to another country to adopt a child, and she was way to old to try and raise another. She enjoyed laughing telling that story to everyone. Later that school year Gam and Big Dad came for a visit, they brought us salt water taffy, from Florida. I received a special gift. a theauraus and dictionary. They told me to keep writing , I had a talent, and every good writer needs good tools.
As years went by and our phone calls and visits dwindeled. I never forgot and I always called her once a year, always laughing at her Helloooooooo,
I would say surely you remember me I was your favorite student, she would laugh in her big laugh way and say I had thousands of students you will have to do better than that.
I would laugh and remind her, she was going to adopt me and Gam and Big Dad would not let her. Our phone calls would last sometimes over an hour or two , we had so much to catch up on, but most times laughing so hard we couldn't talk. My love and passsion for writing was fueled by her passion to teach. Allowing a rebel child to express herself not only in voice , but on a blank page with the almighty pen gave me the freedom I needed to express myself openly and uncensored. Although I know you wished many, many times
I had censored myself.
Thank you my teacher, Rest Well my dear friend, until we meet again.....Rest Well....
Love you always
Shannon Bowers Vaughn
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Gail Barker posted a condolence
Friday, July 11, 2014
Our condolences are to the family. I always loved to see Sarah at the store or at the schools . She will be greatly missed by all. The Gail Barker Family
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Christy Birchfield posted a condolence
Thursday, July 10, 2014
While I never had the honor of having Mrs Heisel as my teacher, I have many wonderful memories of her. She was a very special lady to many young people and will never be forgotten!!! RIP Mrs Heisel, till we meet again!!!
M
Marinne Leclerc posted a condolence
Thursday, July 10, 2014
John and Jeff,
I wanted you to know I am praying for God's peace and comfort for you at this time. I had your Mom at Almond when she first started in middle of my 5th grade year. That day she sat on her desk and introduced herself. She moved up with us for 6th nd 7th grade. 7th was my favorite year with her and I lived her that year and since. That's when she became one of my favorite teachers.
When I think of her, what first comes to mind are the field trip walks to Warter Rock Knob and Deep Crrek, even playing "kick the can" in the parking lot with some of the class. I remember her big container if bubble gum she'd pass out when we were good also and the Christian books in back of room (Sugar Creek Gang?). I think of her love for students and especially 7th grade she was so encouraging to me and such a good teacher.
I missed her and believe I contacted John trying tofind her a few years ago and was sad to hear her memory wasn't good. I look forward to talking with her in Heaven. She really influenced my life and I still miss her but she's in the presence of her Saviour and all better. I can imagine she's waiting for us all there.
Praying for you during this time.
Marianne Leclerc
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Carolyn Cloer posted a condolence
Thursday, July 10, 2014
74John, Jeff, and spouses, Amanda and all other family.
My heart is deeply saddened for the loss of your mother. She was a great
person, teacher, friend, coworker, customer(the many years she would go to Bud for Tires) and a More than Wonderful Mother, Grandmother, and Mother-in-law, because she loved all of you dearly and never failed to mention you. She was a person who you could not help but love and her love lived on in the memory of her students. She had a great sense of humor and way of disipline with the kids. I'll never forget when walked in class and caught my son, Gary and Mike Jones shooting spit wads and all she said was, "Spit, you and Wad pick up the papers off the floor and put in trash" From that day on, that was their names and any time she would ask me, "how is Spit doing and where is Wad and how is he doing" My thoughts and prayers are with all of you that God will fill the lonliness in your hearts and lives and we have the assurance of seeing her again in Heaven and her memory will be as sharp as it was before !! We appreciate the fact that our son had the privilege of having her as a teacher and a good role model!
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Curtis Cochran posted a condolence
Thursday, July 10, 2014
THE COLOR OF MEMORIES TABLE ARRANGEMENT was sent by Curtis and Lynn Cochran.
With deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. Revelation 21:4
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Chris Herrin posted a condolence
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Ms. Heisel was my teacher that taught me , above all, life is what it is. We learn all we can that we can apply in daily life and we can approach it with a god or bad attitude. That is up to us to decide.
She was a good lady and I loved her so much, the teachers I talk about many times and tell stories are from Almond ........
There is the picture of me and her and the pie incident, it was one of the most fun memories I have of life period and endured me to her as well as all of us kids. Not just because of the massive conspiracy that I have no doubt went all the way up to Ms. Powell and Dickie B to get Mr. Whatley off the campus for the event to occur, but because she followed through on a promise she made to us that if she lost the little game , there would be a pie. I will always remember that and the fact she was smart enough to wear a pancho on that day.....Also, I have no doubt she let me win that game period cause she knew how much it would mean to all us kids to see that pie incident.........
I got to know her as a person when she worked in the village those seasons and I would see her everyonce and a while in town. She always spoke and we always laughed about good times.
I wont lie, my heart is really happy and really sad at the same time. Happy because I have no doubt in my mind there is a heaven to gain and that Ms. Heisel is there right now organizing a kickball game with the children that are there. Sad because she was a great lady, I considered her my friend and, in a very sobering way, makes me look at my own mortality.
Thank you Sarah Heisel for teaching me what was important in life at that age: Being respectful, laughing at everything, not judging others , working hard to get the work done while not forgetting to play afterward. However, in spite of your best efforts, I still couldn't diagram a sentence to save my life:-)
Rest easy Ms. Heisel. I love you and I will see you again one day.....
Chris Herrin
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Gwen Freeman Nicholson posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
John and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother, I know how hard it is to lose your mother. May God wrap his arms around you at this time.
Gwen
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Connie Allen posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Where does one begin to tell how they became acquainted with Miss Sarah Heisel. For me its was at the Nantahala Village many years ago. Her son, Jeff, and I worked together in the kitchen/dining room, and like my own mother, Sarah came on board to work, as well. Her high spirits, energetic attitude, and laughter will always be remembered. She and others would sing gospel songs when cleaning up and closing for the day. The manager, well, he would come through, shake his head, and say, "Job well done, ladies." I know that is what the Lord is saying to her now, "job well done."
Jeff, John, and other family members, you've lost a wonderful mother, friend, grandmother, aunt, etc., but God has gained another jewel for his crown.
With deepest sincerity,
Connie Allen
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Brenda Jones posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
John and Jeff,
Sorry to hear of such a wonderful lady's passing. Worked with her for many years. She was an inspiration to her colleagues and her students. Can still that laugh and see that smile.
C
Cheri Grindle Cloer posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Jeff and John, I just wanted to let you know that you all are in our prayers. I loved your mom a lot and she was really good to me. I will miss her coming and seeing me when she would sub at East Elementary. She was one of my favorite teachers ever. I Love you all .
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Robert and Margie Shirley posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
We are sorry for your loss. May God wrap His Loving Arms around the family and give you strength.
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Cheryl Ward posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Miss Sarah.......her bright smile greeted me every day as we worked together for many years. She was an encourager, a listener, a gymnast for her 6th graders, a positive and straightforward friend, a mighty spirit, a brave and courageous lady. She will be part of who I am always, for she was my friend for a long, long time.
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Regina Cochran Howell posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
What a wonderful, loving, kind and thoughtful woman Mrs. Heisel was. She had a way of knowing how to encourage each individual student she had....and her gift spread through all aspects of her life. My prayers and condolences to her family, I know she will be missed. She has made her way to a land free from pain, heartache, illness....a land where she can walk and talk with her Lord. I will always treasure the words of encouragement she has given me through the years. I remember how she loved to sing gospel songs...even getting us to sing when we were in the 6th grade. I can still see her smiling and singing, and now she is free to sing again. May God comfort all her friends and family as they say goodbye to this dear lady.
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Amanda Capps Singley posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
If I had to put a teacher on the top of my favorite list it would have to be Ms. Sarah Heisel. She made you want to actually go to school. I had the pleasure of having her for 5th grade at Almond and again in 6th grade at West. I don't know if it was her witty sense of humor, her handstands, her worldly views, or her chasing away our hiccups that made her feel like more than a teacher but I know I am grateful to have had her in my life.
While I mourn the loss of a great woman, I feel blessed and honored that she was a part of my life. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless
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