Mary Sue (Pierson) Heckendorn

Mary Sue (Pierson) Heckendorn was born May 14,1923 to Jerry Hugh and Clara M. Goss Pierson at home in Webster County, Missouri, (on Clara’s 23rd birthday). Mary Sue departed this life early July 3, 2026, at her home in Seymour. She lived a very blessed 103 years, 1 month and 19 days, here on earth. On July 27, 1946, she married Gordon "Shorty" Heckendorn. To this union, five girls were born. Mary Sue "Susie" is survived by her children: Connie Salsbery (William), of Sharpsville, Ind.; Johnna Douglas (Harold), of Mansfield; Nancy Chandler (Gary), of Seymour; Denise Burt (Sam), of Seymour; and Gail (Micheal) Newton, of Mansfield.
She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Clarice Henderson; 12 grandchildren, Heidi (Matt) Fischer, Joshua (Glamary) Salsbery, Nathan (Katie) Salsbery, Mary Sue (Jeremiah) Fierbaugh, Michael (Alexandria) Douglas, Christopher (Jayleen) Bailey, Keisha Bailey, Justin (Charity) Bailey, Monica Burt-Holdford (David) and Micah (Lane) Collins, Alex (Tiffany) Newton and Chad Newton; 35 great-grands, Oliver, Jude, Peter, Natalia, Gabriela, Caleb, Sophia, Ella, Aubrey, Samuel, William, Joseph, Elijah, Ava, Maya, Emmett,  Isaiah, Lily, Jeremiah, Nehemiah, Jimmy, Ryan, Tiia, Tilia, Benai, Jacee, Emarie, Justin Jr., Ashlyn, Quinton, Julian, Olivia, Nathaniel, Maxwell and Violet; seven great-great-grands, Natalie, Jayce, Scarlette, Heaven, Adoniram, Gracie and Makenna; bonus grands, T.C. Harris (Craig) and Amy Vasquez; bonus great-grands, Noah, Hayden, Jack, Abby, Sophia, Weston, Austin, Wyatt, Westin and Lucas; bonus great-great-grands, Finley and Tate; and several nephews, nieces, and other extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her two brothers, Oda and Fred Pierson; and her husband of 67 years, Gordon "Shorty" Heckendorn.
Susie grew up, mostly in Webster and Wright counties, graduating from Mansfield High School on May 8, 1942. She immediately went to Kansas City and worked for Pratt Whitney. After the war, she returned home and worked as a telephone operator. After marrying, she stayed home and raised kids before returning to the workforce. She worked for Brown Shoe Factory in Mansfield and also the H.D. Lee Company from which she retired in 1986. She accepted Christ as her Savior, at an early age and lived her life for the Lord. She was also a member of the local Eastern Star where she participated as long as her health allowed. Susie was the best mom! She raised her girls in church, instilled in them a deep love for the Savior, and taught them the difference between right and wrong (she was very convincing). Mom was competitive and loved to play games, especially Matney Hollow Marbles, which she did until just a short time ago when, after suffering a stroke, she could no longer play. She loved to win! She had quite the sense of humor! Her house was always filled with music and laughter. She loved big! Her children, grands, great-grands and her great-great-grands brought her so much joy. When the babies showed up, she lit up, even when she could barely open her eyes! Aside from her love and her faith, she will be remembered for her quick wit and sense of humor! She will be missed by her family and community. Visitation was held Wednesday, July 8, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Seymour. Funeral services were Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Seymour. Burial was at Seymour Masonic Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to King’s Food Pantry, Seymour Senior Center, or Everhome Hospice in care of the funeral home.