Leslie Baker Heard
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A memorial service celebrating the life of Leslie Baker Heard, 63, will be held at First Baptist Church Nacogdoches Sunday, February 27, 2022, at 2:00 pm, with Dr. Noel Dear officiating. She passed away in Houston, Texas, on February 22, 2022, surrounded by her husband and daughter.
Leslie was born to Norman Claytor and Peggy Davis Baker on October 3, 1958, in Nacogdoches, where she and her younger brother John were raised until Leslie's sixth grade year. The family relocated to Lake Jackson, Texas, where Leslie spent her teenage years. At age 15, she was introduced to Ricky Heard, the love of her life, by his father, Jack Heard. Due to their young ages, their parents sought to limit the time they spent together; yet, their parents secretly wanted them to date each other. Leslie and Ricky devised a "cat and mouse" game of "breaking up" every so often, so their parents would find ways for them to get together again. Leslie and Ricky graduated from Brazoswood High School in 1977, and they were married on August 25, 1979. They eventually settled in Nacogdoches in 1984, and Leslie completed her undergraduate degree in education from Stephen F. Austin State University. She taught for several years at Fredonia Hill Baptist Day School, teaching first, third and fourth grades. After she left teaching, Leslie committed her time to supporting Ricky and Rikki Leigh in their various ventures.
A welcoming hostess, Leslie was gracious and generous to her many friends and acquaintances, always putting their needs and comfort ahead of her own. Her kindness and true humility were shown in her unique ability to make every person feel special, and her genuine love for others was always foremost. She was a fabulous cook and shared her tasty breads and other culinary delights at school, parties, church functions and with many sick and bereaved friends in their times of need. The Heards were fortunate to have CBH Insurance for over twenty years, moving the business to Downtown Nacogdoches in 2011 and renovating the old Mize Department Store building. Leslie greatly enjoyed decorating the Mize windows for each holiday season, and she loved to see families taking their pictures in front of the windows. In 2014, Ricky and Leslie built a Hill Country retreat in Santa Anna, Texas, where they planted a lavender farm and built casitas to serve their guests. Leslie poured herself into every aspect of the Rockin' H Lavender Farm, from the care of the plants, to the furnishings of the beautiful casitas. She prepared wonderful homemade breakfasts, homemade cookies and was known for the exceptional care and attention she gave to her guests.
Leslie was a member of First Baptist Church, where she and Ricky have attended since moving to Nacogdoches. She faithfully served the Lord and looked to Him for strength, guidance and comfort throughout every situation which came her way. Through prayer and her faith in the Lord, she persevered through some of life's most difficult trials, always believing that true joy came from knowing Christ. Leslie was always courageous and content in her circumstances even when cancer got in the way, never complaining and cherishing every day she could spend with family and friends. Just before her surgery in 2019, she and Ricky welcomed their grandson, and Leslie became his "Cookie," delighting in each precious moment spent with him.
She was preceded in death by their son, Bailey Davis Heard; her father, Norman Claytor Baker; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Peggy and Jack Heard; and her brother-in-law, Mark Daughrity.
In addition to her loving husband of 42 years, Richard A. "Ricky" Heard, she is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Rikki Leigh and Jacob Willoughby of Nacogdoches; her mother, Peggy Baker of Nacogdoches; brother and sister-in-law, John and Shannon Baker of Crawford, Texas; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Kathlyn and Truett McMullen of Santa Anna, Texas. She is also survived by precious grandson, Emmett Willoughby, a host of nieces and nephews, extended family and many cherished friends.
In lieu of flowers, it was Leslie's wish that memorials be made to Youth With a Mission (20131 FM 16, in Lindale, TX 75771); Christian Women's Job Corps (3900 Appleby Sand Rd, Nacogdoches, TX 75965); FBC Nacogdoches Missions (411 North Street, Nacogdoches, TX 75961); or FBC Coleman Missions (200 East College Ave., Coleman, TX 76834).
The Heard family is being served by Laird Funeral Home. To offer condolences or to sign an online register, visit lairdfh.net.