Nellie B. Hevener
With heavy hearts and deep love, we announce the passing of Nellie Hevener on February 27, 2025. She left this life peacefully, surrounded by her family, and now rests as she awaits for the day of resurrection, according to the promise of God’s Word.
Nellie was born on October 29, 1934 in West Augusta. She was the beloved daughter of Margie Fawn Michael and Gaylon Avery Bledsoe and was lovingly raised by her mother and stepfather, Clarence Edward Michael. She grew up with a heart full of compassion and a spirit rooted in kindness.
Affectionately known as Gaga, Nellie was a hard worker, an amazing cook, and a determined and driven woman. Her strong will and perseverance inspired those around her, and her dedication to her family and faith never wavered.
She married Bobby Hevener on September 15, 1952, and together they built a life in Churchville, centered on faith, family, and unconditional love. As a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Nellie touched countless lives with her encouraging words, warm hugs, and unwavering support.
Her faith in God was the cornerstone of her life. She was an active member of Seventh-day Adventist Church in Staunton, where she found great joy in worship, fellowship, and serving others. She lived each day with the hope and assurance of God’s promise – that one day, she would awaken to eternal life in His Kingdom.
Nellie is lovingly remembered by her sons Gaylon “BB” Hevener and his wife Betty, Michael “Mikie” Hevener and his wife Jeanne, and Timothy “Timmy” Hevener and his wife Anni; and her former daughter-in-law Mary Baxter and her husband Stephen. She is also cherished by her grandchildren: Melina Hevener, Dustin Hevener and his wife Jillayne, with their children Sophia and Corrin; Cari Gibson and her husband Joseph, with their children Miriam, Ilsa, Atticus, Katherine, Ruth, and their soon-to-arrive baby Ulysses; Morgan Grabinski and her husband Aaron, with their children Finnley and Magnolia; Megan Lewanski and her husband Jacob, eagerly awaiting the arrival of baby Jaxon in June. She now rests, awaiting the day when all God’s children will be called to life everlasting.
Nellie was preceded in death by her siblings Beatrice Graham, Don Michael, James Michael, and Douglas Bledsoe. She is survived by her sisters Ruby Mae Graham, Nancy Blackwell, and her brothers Dale Michael, Gaylon Bledsoe, and John Bledsoe, all of whom will continue to honor her memory and carry forward the love and lessons she shared.
Her family will forever cherish the memories of her comforting presence, her homemade meals, and the simple moments spent gathered around her, sharing stories and laughter.
A celebration of Nellie’s life will be held on Sunday, March 2 in Staunton Seventh-day Adventist Church, with a service beginning at 3 p.m. Friends and family are welcome to come together, beginning at 1:30, to honor her memory and share in the love she so freely gave.
Her final resting place will be beside her husband Bobby in Oak Lawn Memory Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The Alzheimer’s Foundation or to Staunton Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Though she now rests in peaceful sleep, we hold onto the promise that we will see her again when the Lord calls His faithful ones to rise. Until that day, her love and memory will remain a guiding light in our hearts.
Bear Funeral Home is serving the family. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at bearfuneralhome.com.
