Jeremiah Heyward Jr. died Tuesday, July 25, 2017, at the McLeod Hospice House in Florence.
Born Sept. 2, 1957, he was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jeremiah (Everlena) Heyward.
He attended Furman High School. At an early age, he joined Enon Missionary Baptist Church of Sumter, and later in life, he joined Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Pinewood.
He was married to Angela S. Heyward of Manning, which was a union of memories and blessings. Many lives were touched by Jeremiah's "Jerry's" gracious manners and laughter. Jeremiah "Jerry" was a delight to his family, friends, community and everyone who knew him. He was employed by Plowden Construction and Fort Roofing Co. for many years.
Survivors besides his precious and devoted wife, Angela Heyward of Manning include three sons, Karvelous Gooden of Pinewood and Dewayne Mellette and his fiancee, Tiffany Stuckey, and Xavier Heyward, both of Manning; two that he took as his own, Ronnie Johnson and Precious Heyward; a very special niece that he took as his own, Cherisa Wilder; 10 grandchildren, De'Niya Mellette, Da'Marion Mellette, Desmond Mellette, Shaniya Stuckey, Karvelous Gooden Jr., Kashona Gooden, Simaria Johnson, Zamar Johnson, Wyatt Johnson and Kendreana "Kee-Kee" Reuben; four sisters, Mary H. Wilder of Pinewood, Donna (Jeremiah) Smith of Athens, Alabama, Virginia (Dea. Michael) Conyers of Paxville and Deloris (Paul) Williams of Louisiana; an adopted sister, Carolyn Salam of Pinewood; three brothers, John Earl Felder of North Carolina, Jacob (Ella) Heyward of Manning and Esau Heyward of Pinewood; mother-in-law, Ella Blanding; adopted parents, Mr. and Mrs. Willie (Belma) China; brother-in-law, Jesse (Nikki) Shiggs of Sumter; sister-in-law, Gwendolyn Johnson of Atlanta; four aunts, Emma Jane Felder and Ruthie Mae Canty, both of Sumter, Helena Canty and Frances Sharper of New York; three uncles, Eddie (Rev. Aurelia) Hill and Richard (Mary) Hill of Sumter, George (Rhonda) Bell of Columbia; many close friends, Thomas Felder, Clifford Wilder, Danny Boy Robinson, Lee Roger Johnson, Charles Way, Jeffery Weeks, Sherlyn Riley, Danny Pugh, Tony Mellette, Stacy Winn; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jeremiah (Everlena) Heyward Sr.; grandparents; his daughter, Mikia Heyward; uncle; and nephews, Kendrick Wilder, Jeremy Cantey and Desmond Conyers.
Funeral services were held Saturday, July 29, 2017 at Calvary Baptist Church, 10075 Calvary Church Road in Pinewood, with the Rev. D.L. Sanders officiating.
Interment followed in Calvary Baptist Church cemetery.
The family received friends at the home, 6155 Sammy Swamp Road in Pinewood.
Online memorials may be sent to the family at jobsmortuary@sc.rr.com or visit us on the web at www.jobsmortuary.net.
