Mrs. Bertha L. Heaggans, 86 of Jacksonville, Arkansas transitioned on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at Woodland Hills Healthcare & Rehabilitation. Bertha L. Heaggans was born on March 28, 1938, in Atkins, Arkansas to Arittra and Vashtie Williamson Dowdle. She graduated as Valedictorian, from L.W. Sullivan High School in Morrilton, Arkansas and continued her education at Philander Smith college for two years with a major in nursing and later graduated from Petit-Jean Vo-Tech (currently UACCM) as an LPN. She continued to show her love for nursing by being employed by St. Anthony's/St. Vincent for almost 30 years working in various areas like medical surgical unit, ICU and as a swing bed coordinator, until she retired. She earned the Nurse Excellence Award for LPN and was selected as the "LPN of the Year" for Arkansas. After retiring, she still had a passion for nursing and became an adjunct nursing instructor at UACCM from 2004 to 2013, when she retired for good. In August 1958, she was united in marriage with Elbert L. Heaggans, for almost 50 years and three children were born to this union. As a member of Union Baptist Church, she served as a Deaconess, Sunday School teacher for the youth, assistant church clerk and was active in the Kitchen ministry and Missionary Society, where she was also involved with the young Matrons. When she relocated to Conway and joined Salem Missionary Baptist Church, she served on the Mother Board and the Nursing ministry and special program committees. She served faithfully until her health began to fail. She was preceded in death by both her parents, as well as her sisters Rosa Bruner, Virdia Moss, Maryanne Murrell, and Lucille Leapheart. She leaves to cherish her memory; two sons, Elbert Heaggans, JR of Little Rock, and Frederick (Tammy) of Madison, AL, one bonus son, Delbert (Lorraine) Brown of Clarksville, TN and one daughter Beverly (Michael) Brockman of Jacksonville. Also, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8 Vance-Wilson & Jarrett Funeral Directors "The Epitome of Service" Visitation Saturday, December 14, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM St. Matthew No.2 1600 W. Church Street Morrilton, AR 72110 Celebration of Life Saturday, December 14, 2024 11:00 AM St. Matthew No.2 1600 W. Church Street Morrilton, AR 72110