Emma Jean Read Heim

Emma Jean Read Heim died peacefully on October 9 in Mobile, Alabama surrounded by her children at the age of 85. She was born and raised in Lucedale, Mississippi and was a long-time resident of Mobile.

Jean lived her life devoted to those blessed to know her. Starting at age 19 and for the rest of her long life, Jean was a selfless and dignified wife, mother, and grandmother (known affectionately as GrandJean). She kept a warm home with an open door for family, friends, and neighbors. Jean loved to travel; whether on cruises with friends, to college towns to treat a grandchild to dinner, or on a road trip with her loving husband of 55 years, Bobby. She worked for many years in mortgage banking and attended Luke 4:18 Fellowship. In addition to legendary chicken and dumplings and desserts, Jean was known for baking countless birthday cakes for her many great grandchildren. She was also a gifted seamstress- always making clothes for the children in her life and repairing torn stuffed animals.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Heim, parents, Henry and Beatrice Read, and sister Verna Read. She is survived by her children Robin (Martin) Dorsett, Marty (Ima) Heim, Jodi (Jimmy) Lee, and Kim (Robbie) Simpson; eleven grandchildren and twenty-eight great grandchildren: Drew Zakrewski; Derek (Cristen) Simpson, Luke and Joseph; Christopher (Roz) Dorsett, Ruth, Sam, Jack, and George; Justin (Ashley) Simpson, Hampton, Beau, Flora, and Fletcher; Bradley (Liz) Dorsett, Presley, Bennett, Denver, Henry, Monroe, William, and Iris; Jordan (Lauren) Dorsett, Jane, John Martin, and Levi; Rachel (Danny) Rausch; Taylor (Patrick) Wittman, PJ, Evan, and Ally; Lauren (Ty) Brogdon, Mae, Kinsley, Mercy, and Watson; Ross (Madison) Dorsett; Nathan Heim; and Jackson Lee; brother-in-law Ray Heim, and many nieces, nephews, relatives and dear friends. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Saads Hospice and their staff for the exceptional care they provided our mother in her final days.

Visitation will be held at Luke 4:18 Fellowship on Tuesday, October 14 from 10:00 until 11:00 AM with a Celebration of Life service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Rapahope Children’s Retreat Foundation, P.O. Box 1427 Mobile, AL 36633 or at www.rapahope.org.