Obituary of Karen L. Heckman

Karen Lee Heckman went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ early Sunday morning, September 22, 2024, after being in ill health for the past few years. She was the wife of Douglas E. Heckman, Sr with almost 53 years of marriage. Karen was the daughter of the late Paul & Martha Taylor, Sr. She is survived by her three children: Douglas Jr (Amy), Kevin Sr (Natasha), and Korinne NesSmith (Reuben); she is also survived by ten grandchildren: Ashley Puckett (Stephen), Amber Cole (Nick), Kelsey Cole, Aaron Heckman (Katie), Kallie, and Kevin Heckman Jr, Tyler Lehr, Brayden, Bryson, and Braxton NesSmith; and nine great grandchildren: Hunter, Logan, and Avery Puckett, Lily, and Violet Heckman, Aurora, and Ariel Schisler, Armani Heckman, and Reese Cole. Karen is also survived by a sister, Candy Cuff from Pennsville. Karen graduated from Bridgeton High School in 1971, and later attended Salem County College. She married Doug in 1971, which later included preparing for full-time ministry in the Wesleyan Church as a Pastor’s wife. While serving at the Carney’s Point Wesleyan Church (Cross Point), she began working at Thomas Scientific to support her three children to attend Park Bible Academy. She later worked and retired from Fogelsville Elementary School while her husband served as Pastor at Trinity Wesleyan Church in Allentown for 19 years. When returning home to Bridgeton First Wesleyan 47 years later, she served in the church as a Welcome Center Host, Women’s Ministry Director and sang on the Worship Team including last Sunday before her passing. -Lovingly Submitted by the family. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, September 30th at 11AM at the First Wesleyan Church, 200 Laurel Heights Dr., Bridgeton. Friends and family will be received at the church from 9AM to 11AM prior to the services. Interment will take place following the services at Lawnside Cemetery in Pilesgrove. Written condolences can be sent to the family through the funeral home website, www.padgettfuneralhomes.com