Tavie Lee (Clark) Heflin

With utmost love and respect, the Heflin, Thornton, and Smith families announce the passing from this life of their beloved mother and grandmother, Mrs. Tavie Lee Clark Heflin, 88, a native and life-long resident of Roanoke.  The widow of the late Reverend R.L. Heflin, Mrs. Heflin transitioned from this life on Friday afternoon, April 21, at her residence in Roanoke. 

Miss Tavie Lee Clark was born in Roanoke, Randolph County, Alabama on April 27, 1934. In addition to her beloved parents, Robert and Octavie (Strickland) Clark, Tavie's family of origin included several siblings: sisters: Jessie Mae Clark Willis, Grace Clark Davis, Mary Sue Clark Thomas, Ida B. Clark Mitchell, Tavie Lee Clark Heflin; and brothers: Blobby Clark, Leroy Clark, Solon Clark and Tobie Clark.

At an early age, she accepted Jesus Christ as her saviour, and joined Peace and Goodwill Baptist Church, where generations of her family had worshiped.  For as long as she was physically able, she energetically made her way to the choir stands, adding her voice to the chorus of eager singers in Peace and Good Will's Church Choir.

In Mrs. Tavie Lee Heflin, God raised up a standard for strong loving role model for other young women to emulate.

On March 13, 1948, she married the love of her life, the late Reverend Robert Lee Heflin, Sr., with whom she parented five (5) children including four (4) sons, Reverend Robert Lee Heflin, Jr., Stony Heflin (predeceased), Thomas Eugene Heflin (predeceased), Walter Louis Heflin (predeceased); and one (1) beloved daughter, Annette Heflin Thornton.  Upon her marriage to Reverend Heflin, his calling into the Christian Ministry became her calling. She took her role as a Pastor's wife very seriously, which could be seen in the way she carried herself, among Christian circles — often serving as a member of the choir, and often — in the absence of other voices — fearlessly taking on the role of powerful soloist.  With adoring loyalty, she traveled the area along with Pastor Heflin, quietly supporting the ministry in every way possible; often, adding her melodious voice, beautiful smile and pleasant personality to the atmosphere.  As the wife of a much demanded and beloved leading Pastor, involved in the full gamut of activity, Mrs. Heflin graciously shared him across the entire depth, width and breadth of this community.  Their marriage lasted for 68 years, until Pastor Heflin departed this life on May 10, 2016; leaving Sister Heflin to journey on alone.

Mrs. Heflin worked in the fashion industry as a seamstress at The Palm Beach Company in Roanoke, and as a Nurses Aide at the former Randolph County Hospital in Roanoke.  In later years, she continued to be active in the province of Christian service.  She was a concerned and devoted mother, who stood firmly beside her husband in supporting every effort to support the Randolph County Training School as educators assigned there, struggled to provide quality education to the students there.

For decades, she actively supported the R.C.T.S. School Reunion, the local Alabama Democratic Conference, and many other community organizations. She was an active supporter of all aspects of the African American community; attending and participating in Black History events, Local Church events, and District and State Level Church events. She worked along with the Missionary and Matrons Department at her church Home, Peace and Goodwill.  

During her robust years, Mrs. Heflin was always ready to share her gift of singing freely, adding to the harmonious blend of christian voices in our community.  She was a member of the well known "Gospelettes," the Community Choir, and other local performers.

We her survivors now resolve to be at peace — in the knowledge that she is resting, safely in the arms of Jesus.  Like an angel ascending toward that Heavenly Choir stand, she quietly and peacefully transitioned from this life on Friday, April 21, 2023.  She was at her residence in Roanoke. 

Her loved ones now include: her only daughter, Mrs. Annette (Heflin) Thornton (Dr. Alvin Thornton) of Upper Marboro, MD; and a son, Reverend Robert Lee Heflin, Jr. (Jacqulyn) of Edgefield, SC; a special granddaughter, Octavia Heflin-Smith (Roland) of Prince George, VA; a beloved brother, Tobie Clark of Stamford, CT; a sister, Grace Clark Davis of Detroit, MI; ten (10) Grandchildren; sixteen (16) great-great grandchildren; and six (6) great-great grandchildren; special friends: Sandra O'neal, Ella Staples, Lurleen Person, and Annie Dora Trammell, all of Roanoke, AL; a great host of distant relatives, loving companions, admirers, and friends throughout the community and finally many many non-biological sons and daughters who regarded her as "mother" figure and highly esteemed role model in their lives.

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