Mary M. Heckman

     Mary Marie (Spurlock) Heckman made the joyful transition to her heavenly home on September 13, 2019, and is in the awesome presence of Jesus, her loving Lord and Savior! Mary was 76 years young and lived in Bradenton, FL.  She was the loving wife of the late Harry B. Heckman, Jr., with whom she shared 27 years of marriage.  Mary recently moved to the home of her sister, Barbara Shiflett, in Delta, PA, where she passed away, surrounded by loving family, after a brief hospital stay.

     One of ten children (including a half-brother), Mary was born in Rockville, MD, on April 30, 1943, and was raised in Delta, PA.  She was the first-born daughter of the late James P. and Nellie (Greene) Spurlock, and had the great privilege of being taught Christian values by her loving parents.

     Mary was employed by Bowen McLaughlin York Company, Manufacturer of Army Tanks and Vehicles, in Spring Grove, PA, as a Blue Print Clerk in their Copy Department prior to relocating to Florida.  A resident of Bradenton, FL, since 1976, she worked in the Manatee County School District as a Bus Driver, where she was lovingly referred to as the "Tiny-but-Tenacious Mrs. Heckman" and later as a Bus Aide.  She retired in 2000 after 17 years.

     Mary loved her Lord and her passion was to share Jesus with as many as she could reach.  She was an active member of the Elwood Park Baptist Church since 1994.  She enjoyed teaching the children in Sunday School classes, Vacation Bible School and AWANA classes.  During her retirement she, along with three fellow members, formed the Sisters in Service Group, which offered fellowship to widows through social activities such as fashion shows, lunches featuring speakers on various topics including self-protection and the grieving process.  She also enjoyed meeting with residents of the Third Bayshore Bible Study Group on a weekly basis.

     Mary, a loving Christian Mother, is survived by four children: Vivian A. Brangwynne and husband John, Mark W. Colvin, both of Bradenton, FL, Larry E. Lutz and wife Kelly of San Francisco, CA, and Step-Son, Michael S. Heckman, also of Bradenton, FL. In addition to her children, she was blessed with four grandchildren: Jennifer A. Wagner of Saint Petersburg, FL, Marybeth Jackson of Bradenton, FL, Nickolas J. Lutz of San Francisco, CA, and Michael B. Heckman of Bradenton, FL.  Two great grandsons, Aiden and Conor Wagner, also added to her joy!

     Mary is survived by, and will be lovingly remembered by eight siblings: L. David Spurlock and wife Betty of Forest Park, GA, Aileen M. Baker and Barbara A. Shiflett, both of Delta, PA, Geraldine Shiflett of Adrian, MO, Shirley Baldwin of Butler, MO, Paula G. Shiflett and husband Boyd of Airville, PA, Dorothy K. Herman and husband Allen of Horntown, VA, and Johnny R. Spurlock and wife Jo Ann of Dallastown, PA.  Mary was preceded in death by her Half-Brother, Walter C. Spurlock, of Denton, TX.  Many nieces and nephews will also miss her caring ways.

     A public viewing will be held on September 21, between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. at Gladfelter Funeral Home, Inc. located at 822 East Market Street, York, PA.  At 3:45 Family and friends will share memories.  A funeral service will take place at the funeral home starting at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor James Baldwin, of Woodbine Beliebers Assembly officiating.  Interment will be at the Forest Hills Memorial Park Cemetery, In Reading, PA, which will be private.