Jeannie Heatherly

Jeannie Heatherly, 73, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away on Sunday, February 28, 2021.

She was born on June 28, 1947 in LaFollette, Tennessee to the late Eugene and Novella (Sharpe) Heatherly.

Jeannie is survived by her devoted husband, David Wilson (Skip); her daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Robert Leach; granddaughter, Abigail Leach; brother, Wayne Heatherly and wife Edwina; and brother-in-law Don Wilson and wife, Dorothy. She also had a goddaughter, (Mycala Baker).

Jeannie graduated with a Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Western Kentucky University. Her job search led her to Louisville, where she became a teacher at Fern Creek High School. By 1976, Jeannie was appointed Assistant Director, Adult and Continuing Education department, Jefferson County Public Schools. After five years in this position, she was advanced to Director, where she remained until 1994, at which time she retired from JCPS. In the following years, Jeanie became active in community, political and educational initiatives.

As a volunteer, Jeannie served with the Louisville Public Library as a master fundraiser, as a Big Brother/Big Sister volunteer for many years, and as a volunteer mentor for Louisville Educational and Employment Project (LEEP). Jeannie chaired the boards of three organizations: Family and Children's Place, Metro United Way Volunteer Action Committee, and the City of Louisville Ethics Committee. She served as President of Women in School Administration and Vice President of the Board of Mercy Academy. She was a consultant to Day Spring and grant developer to Nazareth Home.

Post-career, Jeannie and Skip traveled to extraordinary locations around the world. They enjoyed skiing, hiking, and biking and had personal commitments to fitness and good health. Later in life, Jeannie continued enthusiastically and regularly with her Jazzercise group, who became her primary source of fitness and social connection. Additionally, she organized a women's book club and a women's hiking group. She was a regular members of a couple's book club, all of whom will miss her for the insightful contributions she consistently brought to the groups!

Jeannie's love for and commitment to Skip, family, and friends was deep and abiding. She was strongly devoted to the relationships she established from diverse backgrounds, enthusiastically supported pro-feminist causes, and was deeply committed to helping people in need. She welcomed friends and family into her beautiful home, which was adorned with the art from her world-wide travels and adventures with Skip. Their lives reflect a love of art, nature, and travel. Jean Ann Heatherly leaves an enormous hole in our hearts. She will be missed but always remembered for her intelligence, beauty and enthusiasm for life!

A Celebration of Jeannie's Life will be held at a later date.

Donations to: The Family and Children's Place, 525 Zane St., Louisville, KY 40203. familyandchildrensplace.org. Go to "donations" for online contributions.


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