Mother Dorothy Heyward gained her wings on Thursday, August 24, 2023.
She was born in Ridgeland, South Carolina on February 17, 1946 to the late Richard and Mabel Heyward. Upon completion of high school in Ridgeland, Dorothy moved to New Haven, Connecticut and landed a job at Yale-New Haven Hospital. She worked there for several years before gaining a job at Sargent Manufacturing. Dorothy worked at Sargent for 47 years, if not more, before retiring.
Dorothy’s favorite football team was the New England Patriots. During football season, she never missed watching a game, and was even known to attend live games at the stadium. Dorothy also enjoyed basketball, shopping, and going to church events.
At an early age Dorothy accepted Christ and over the years she attended Thomas Chapel, Faith Temple Revival Center, and Kingdom Love Center. Throughout her years serving the Lord, she wore many hats as an armor bearer, evangelist, and beloved head mother of the church.
In her spare time, Dorothy loved and enjoyed cooking for her grandchildren as well as her great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed spending time with family, traveling, and watching church on TV or on her phone. Mother Heyward had a lot of love for her daughter, grandchildren, and especially her great-grandchildren; she would do anything to make sure everybody was happy.
Mother Heyward leaves to cherish her memories, daughter, Jennifer (Glenn) Smith of Charlotte, NC; bonus daughter, Laurie Booker of Baltimore, MD; three grandchildren, George J. Long of New Haven, CT, Marquis L. Long of Charlotte, NC, and Ashley S. Long of New Haven, CT; bonus granddaughter, LaJamia Banks; 11 great-grandchildren, Tanaiza Glass, Matthew Sorrells, Zaina Sorrells, Jaden Dozier, Travis Scott, Jr., Jordynn Long, Brooklyn Scott, Chandler R. McKay, Mackenzie Long, Autumn, and Giana Lafayette-Long; two sisters, Mary Heyward and Telia Heyward of New Haven, CT; one brother, Alfred Heyward of Ridgeland, SC, two aunts Ruby Washington of Florence, S.C. and Alberta Simmons of New Haven, CT; goddaughter, Melba Heyward of New Haven, CT; godson, Andrew Proctor of Ridgeland, SC; along with a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
Dorothy was predeceased by seven brothers, Richard, JoeLouis, Peter, Donald, Charles, George, and Henry Lee Heyward; four sisters, Alice Proctor, Johnnie Mae Gray, Willie Ann Burney, and Vernell Heyward.
A celebration of Dorothy’s life will take place Saturday, September 2, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Kingdom Love Center Ministries, 19 George St, Hamden, CT 06514. Friends may call Saturday at the church from 9:00 – 10:00 AM. Interment will be at Beaverdale Memorial Park, New Haven.
Services by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St, New Haven, CT 06511. To leave a message of comfort for the Heyward family, please visit, www.hkhfuneralservices.com