Alberta Cuff Heckard

Alberta Cuff Heckard was born December 10, 1946 in Wisner, Louisiana to Emma Cuff and Samuel Gipson. “Lil Sister,” affectionately named by her stepfather, Willie “Papa” Jones, lovingly raised her as his own. “Lil Sister” was the third child and the most outspoken and feistiest of her siblings: Louella, Roosevelt, Rosie, and her nephew Terry, who was raised as their brother. Her love for her brothers and sisters was unmeasurable.

And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’ Acts 22:16

Alberta was baptized at an early age at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Wisner, Louisiana by the late Reverend A.T. White. She was educated in the Franklin Parish school system and was a 1965 graduate of Wisner Gilbert High School. Upon entering adulthood, Alberta proved herself to be a hard worker, a provider, and a compassionate caregiver to her family.

He who finds a wife finds a good thing and receives favor from the Lord." Proverbs 18:22

One afternoon, while walking home along the railroad track in Wisner, a young, handsome, hazel-eyed gentleman from “The Prayer” by the name of Granville Heckard, asked to walk her home. She obliged, and they walked happily together for 57 years until her husband was called home. To this union, their only daughter, Tangernika “Renée ” was born. The bond between Alberta and Renee was unbreakable. “Lucy” and Renee were the typical mother- daughter duo. Renée gave her the name “Lucy” after the actress Lucille Ball due to her playful antics and sometimes troublesome shenanigans. They laughed, fought, and cried together, but most of all, they loved each other immensely. Alberta loved her daughter from her first breath and Renée loved her mama until her very last breath, and will continue to love her until eternity.

After relocating to Baton Rouge in 1966, Alberta joined Donaldson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Freddie Williams. Under the guidance of the late Reverend Charles T. Smith, she served on the Deaconess Board #2, was a Youth Usher Board sponsor, and also served as a chairperson for various church programs. She also enjoyed attending Sunday school. Alberta remained a faithful member of Donaldson Chapel under the pastorship of Reverend Tommie N. Gipson, Jr., until her passing. Her dedication to Donaldson Chapel spanned over 55 years.

Alberta earned a Certified Nursing Assistant certificate and later continued her education by earning an associate’s degree from the Delta School of Business. She worked at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center as a nursing assistant, and later became a unit secretary/surgery scheduler for over 35 years before retiring. In her past time, she enjoyed watching her favorite shows Law & Order, NCIS, and Wheel of Fortune. Alberta loved entertaining family and friends under the patio and drinking her morning coffee with her daughter. She enjoyed good telephone conversations and looked forward to her daily calls from family and friends. Her eyes would light up when her great-nephew Timmy Hollins would call. Their conversations would last from five minutes to sometimes fifty-five minutes. He always made it a point to check in on his “Tee” daily. Her most memorable moments were preparing her big Saturday morning breakfast for her grand and great-grandchildren, who lovingly called her “Mim,” perfecting her famous gumbo, but most of all, spending quality time with her husband, “Hunny.” “Mim and Hunny” loved going to church together, reading the Bible, and watching television. They were inseparable.

“And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.” Mark 5:34

At 2:15 p.m. on July 11, 2024, surrounded by family and friends, Alberta Heckard, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, had her last doctor’s appointment and received her eternal healing from The Great Physician. She was welcomed into her eternal life by her husband Granville, her parents, and siblings Louella Hollins, Roosevelt Cuff, and Terry Washington.

She leaves to cherish her memory and legacy: her daughter Renée (Kenneth Pitts, Sr.); grandchildren, Tameka Smith (Kevin), Kenneth Pitts, Jr., and Christopher Pitts; great-grandchildren Christian and Khristyn Smith; one sister, Rosie Heckard; brother-in-laws, Archie Heckard (Elizabeth), Reverend Amos Heckard, Jr. (Nancie), sister-in-laws, Georgia Sims (Donald), Dorothy Bullock (Curtis), Sandra Tol- liver, and Brenda Heckard; godchildren Albert Butler, Jr., and LaTosha Johnson; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Viewing will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Donaldson Chapel Baptist Church, 2501 Gracie St., Baton Rouge, La 70802 at 9 am until religious service at 10 am. Rev. Tommie Gipson will be officiating the service. Interment will be in Southern Memorial Gardens. 

Arrangements entrusted to MJR Friendly Service Funeral Home