WILMINGTON — Wilda Blair Heafner, a beautiful soul and child of God, passed away Saturday morning, August 6th, 2022, at the age of 92 in Wilmington, NC. She was born in Charlotte, NC, February 7, 1930, the daughter of Jacob Frederick and Bonnie W. Blair. Loved ones who preceded her in death were her parents, her husband Arvel E. Heafner, Jr, younger brother, Jacob Frederick Blair, Jr., and niece, Mary Blair Howell Smith.
Wilda graduated High School in 1948 from Harding High in Charlotte, NC. Early in her life, Wilda worked for Mauney Piping & Supply Co, in Charlotte, NC. She was promoted to Branch Manager and moved to Wilmington, NC in 1968 for the opening of their new office. The company was eventually sold, and she then managed Industrial Piping and Supply Co. (IPSCO). Later she worked as an office manager for many years at Huffine-Walton Realty and a local telephone/ electronics systems company prior to her retirement.
Site-seeing and traveling were among her favorite things to do. She especially enjoyed taking trips with her husband, his brothers and their wives to various countries and places in the US. Wilda loved music, played the piano and could always be found listening to her Gospel music. She never let an occasion to take a picture escape her and as a result, she blessed our family with many happy memories for years to come.
Wilda Blair Heafner is survived by her son, John B. Risley, Jr, and wife Gail, daughter, Bonnie R. Prevatte and husband Rick, six grandchildren: Heather R. Sims and husband Joshua, John M. Risley, Matthew B. Risley and wife Vanessa, Kaitlyn R. Hufham and husband Robert, Erin Blair Owens and husband Andy, J. Seth Prevatte and fiance’, Hannah Miller, four great grand-children, Adah Jordan-Elyse Sims, Merrick Noah, Andrew Kai and Selah Blair Owens. Other survivors include sisters-in-law, Sarah E. Blair & Gayle Heafner, nieces, Debra B. van Dam, Bobbie B. Slayton and husband Glen, nephews, Jack F. Blair and wife Gail, Jim F. Blair and wife Kathy and many great nieces/nephews.
A graveside service will be held Friday, August 12th at 2:30pm, Oleander Memorial Gardens, Wilmington, NC in the Mausoleum and officiated by Rev. Bob Bayley and Jack F. Blair. Pallbearers: John B. Risley, Jr., Matthew B. Risley, John M. Risley, T. Richard Prevatte, J. Seth Prevatte and Andy Owens.
Wilda believed in helping children & did so every year by sending shoe box gifts through Samaritan’s Purse. She developed a life-long relationship with a dear family of four sisters from Estonia, communicating regularly with them by mail throughout the years. There will always be a special place in our family’s hearts for Regina Ainla, Viktoria Kotsjuba, Karina Titova, and Zara Titova, as well as their parents, spouses and children.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.
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