Joanna Sue Hughes Heckert, 48, of Tuscumbia, Alabama was born in Edinburgh, Scotland on July 25, 1975 and went to accompany the heavenly choir on Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Gadsden, AL.

Joanna was immensely talented in music, and piano became a life-long passion and career. She started playing at age 6, received a BS in Piano Performance from the University of Central Florida and a Masters in Music from Bob Jones University, taught privately and at UAB Florence, and was the church accompanist for First Baptist Killen.

As great as her passion for music was, it was overshadowed by the joy she found in her family, her faith, and life in general. She was married to Matthew Heckert on July 5 2003 and together they had a daughter, Alyssa, who inherited her father's love of and knack for all things mechanical. Several years later Joanna required a kidney transplant, but she was a fighter and came through even that ordeal with her typical infectious joy and enthusiasm. After 15 wonderful years together, Matthew passed away. The following years were not easy as she learned to navigate the world without Matt by her side, but she earned an Accounting Certificate, went to work as a bookkeeper, and never lost her joy. Eventually she met Robin Duke at First Baptist Killen and once again fell in love. They were married on May 24, 2024. She passed on into glory shortly thereafter, and the world lost a wonderful pianist, beautiful bride, loving mother, and much beloved daughter, sister, niece, and Auntie J.

She is pre-deceased by her first husband, Matthew Heckert, and is survived by her husband Robin Duke, her daughter Alyssa, her parents Jim and MaryRuth Hughes, her brothers James (Laura) and John (Christine), multiple loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

While we as her family are heartbroken at our loss, we rejoice in the knowledge that Joana is at peace and home with our Lord.

Visitation will be Friday, June 14, 2024, 9-10 AM at First Baptist Killen. The funeral service will follow at 10 AM, officiated by Pastor David McKelvey. Burial will be at Forest Hill South Cemetery in Memphis, TN. Elkins East Chapel is assisting the family with details.