Joanne Conyers Heidenreich

The Carolina blue skies parted to welcome me peacefully home Tuesday, March 5, 2024 while surrounded by my family, who never left my side. I’d like the memories of me to be happy ones, full of love, laughter and wonderful remembrances of invaluable times shared. My hope is to be greeted by my parents, Frederick Ross Conyers, Jr. and Catherine “Kitty” Weaver Conyers; brother, Frederick “Ross” Conyers, III; father and mother-in-law, Ralph and Evelyn Heidenreich; brother-in-law, Bob Maxwell; my precious four-legged baby girl, Brandi, and a host of cherished friends, who all preceded me in death. To everyone I love, I’m sorry our journey was cut much shorter than we all anticipated.

Born in Rocky Mount, I graduated from Peace College, moved to Greenville to attend East Carolina University, earning a bachelor’s and master’s, and resided in Goldsboro for the last 42 years. I worked for the Chambers of Commerce of Wayne and Dare Counties; Parker Advertising/Channel 10, where I was known for the home show and my notorious phrase “And now, let’s go house hunting”; and retired from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County. The Relay for Life of Wayne County and Crime Stoppers Telethons of Wayne, Pitt and Craven Counties were very important to me, and I gave a lot of time and creative energy to those organizations. Some of my happiest moments included time spent at our home away from home at the beach, curled up with a good book and doting on my doggies and grand-doggies.

My family was always my top priority, and taking care of and nurturing them throughout their lives was my greatest joy. I love you all, more than you will ever know. To my husband of 45 years, Jim Heidenreich, we chose each other every day and I enjoyed our journey together. To my sons, Jimmy Heidenreich and Josh Heidenreich, being your mom was my greatest blessing and proudest accomplishment. To my daughter-in-law, Suzanne, and son-in-law, Matt, I could not ask for better partners for my boys, and words cannot express my gratitude for everything you both have done and will continue to do. Please take care of them for me! To my granddaughter Emalyn “Ebie”, your “JoJo” loves you more than could ever be put into words, and watching you grow into such a precious little girl brought me so much happiness. To my siblings, Trish Maxwell, Vickie Pick (John) and Rich Conyers, we have been through so much together, and I’m thankful for all the memories together. To my sisters-in-law, Ellen Heidenreich and Jan Fly (Ron), thank you for welcoming me into your family and sharing your brother. To my precious beagle Maggie, Mama loves you; be a good girl! To my nieces, nephews and friends, I loved being your aunt and friend and hope I’ve left you all with cherished memories. To John and Debbie, thank for caring for our granddaughter throughout my sickness; she is so lucky to have you both.

I, as well as my family, would like to extend our sincere appreciation for the incredible knowledge, diligence and unwavering support received from the doctors and staffs of
the Duke Cancer Center, Duke University Hospital, and Hock Family Pavilion, including all the hospitalists, nurses, CNAs and housekeepers of 9300, 3300 and 8W MICU. Your
compassionate and loving care was nothing short of amazing.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, March 16, 2024 at New Hope Friends Church in Goldsboro, with visitation immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Triangle Beagle Rescue, 13200 Strickland Road, Ste. 114-287, Raleigh, NC 27613 (www.tribeagles.org) or New Hope Friends Church, 4451 US HWY 70 East, Goldsboro, NC 27534.

Services have been entrusted to our close family friend, Gary Overcash of Carter Funeral Home in Rockingham, NC.