It is with heavy hearts that we bid a final farewell to Mrs. Martha "Marty" Anne Cannaday Heard, 78, of

New Braunfels, TX, who went to rest at the Lord's side on August 7, 2023. A true "prayer warrior", she is

well-remembered for her immeasurable beauty inside and out, sweet personality, unshakable optimism,

admirable selflessness, and bottomless love for her family. No one will forget her luminous smile, nor

her undying devotion to her faith.

Named after her beloved grandmother (who helped with her birth), Martha Anne Cannaday was born at

her family's Roanoke, VA home on September 1, 1944. Known to her family and friends as "Marty", she

was the fourth of six children born to proud parents, Walter and Marie Cannaday. The family lived in

Glen Burnie, MD throughout her childhood, where she graduated from Glen Burnie High School in 1962.

Three years after graduation, Martha married the love of her life, Jack Lewis Heard, when he returned

home from serving in the Air Force. Shortly thereafter, the happy couple moved to Sheffield, AL where

their wonderful daughters, Cathy and Caren, were born. She treasured every moment she had with her

children.

Marty spent 57 years of her life living in Sheffield, AL. There, she served as Chief Clerk for the Colbert

County Sherriff's Department and Court Clerk for the City of Sheffield. Along the way, she never missed

an opportunity to volunteer at church functions or to step forward and graciously open her home for

youth events. In retirement, she thoroughly enjoyed working at Florence's First United Methodist Day

School, as well as, contributing her time to helping children in the New Braunfels area learn to read.

One of the best things to ever happen to Mrs. Heard was becoming a grandmother to three beautiful

spirits. To them, she was known as "Gigi". Birthday dinners with Bedford at the Tower Restaurant,

swinging at the park with Cannaday, and watching Hugh play baseball (always followed by a treat from

Bahama Buck's) were among her most precious memories.

Outside of work, faith, and family, Marty was known for her superior decorating skills and lively

participation in small Bible study groups. She loved spending time with her friends, whether over lunch

or an exciting baseball game. A 23-year breast cancer survivor, she was a force to be reckoned with in

the most gentle and compassionate way.

Martha Anne Cannaday Heard was preceded in death by her loving parents, Walter and Marie Cannaday;

husband, Jack Lewis Heard; adoring daughter, Cathy Anne Heard Doster; and dear brothers, Norman

Wayne Cannaday, Walter Harmon Cannaday, and Daniel Melvin Cannaday. Left to cherish her memory

are her devoted daughter, Caren (David) Heard White; incredible grandsons, Hugh Walter White and

Bedford LeRoy Doster; beautiful granddaughter, Cannaday Lynne Doster; caring sisters, Gwynne Marie

Cannaday Wales and Constance Lea Cannaday Rentz; and a host of close friends. Her radiant legacy lives

on in the hearts and minds of all who knew her.

Fittingly, a Celebration of Life will take place on Marty's birthday, September 1, 2023 at 2:00 PM, with a

reception immediately following. Those touched by this remarkable woman are invited to attend the

event in her honor at River City Church located at 2032 Central Plaza in New Braunfels, Texas. In

addition, York Bluff Bapist Church in Sheffield, AL will have a Time of Rememberance at 1:00 PM and will

livestream the service at 2:00 PM. To livestream the celebration go to YouTube and search River City

Church New Braunfels. May she rest in eternal peace with our Lord and Savior.