Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

September 29, 2026

CHARLOTTE – Betty Mishoe Heeseman, 85, of Hillsborough, NC, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Southminster surrounded by her loving family.  She was the daughter of the late William Franklin Mishoe and Margaret Wilder Mishoe of Hillsborough, NC.

Betty grew up in Hillsborough and graduated from Orange High School in 1959. She attended the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, where she met her husband, Gary, Jr.  They married in 1962 and shared 63 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 2025.

Betty was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter and friend who cherished her family and friends above all else.  Her greatest joy was the people she held dear, and she devoted her life to making them feel loved, supported, and cared for.  She never missed an opportunity to be there for her children and grandchildren, whether cheering from the sidelines at a ballgame or supporting their many activities and accomplishments.  She was affectionately known by countless children as the “candy and snack lady”—a title she wore proudly.  Her greatest joy was her family, and she loved her children and grandchildren fiercely and unconditionally.

After her children were grown, Betty followed her passion for interior decorating and established H. Heeseman Interiors.  She had a natural gift for making homes and businesses beautiful and welcoming, and she took great pleasure in helping friends, family, and clients create spaces they loved.

Betty loved hosting and attending parties and was happiest when surrounded by family and friends.  She and Gary, Jr. were wonderful dancers, and their love of beach music was a special part of their life together.  They could often be found listening to beach music and dancing at Groucho’s in Charlotte or at “SOS” Shag on the Sand in Ocean Drive at “Ducks” or “Fat Harold’s.”  Their shared love of music, dancing, and one another brought them great joy.

An active member of the “Mint Tulips” Garden Club in Charlotte for more than 25 years, Betty served as Co-President during the 2005–2006 term.  She and Gary, Jr. were also active members of Charlotte Country Club for more than 40 years, where they enjoyed countless parties, holidays, and social gatherings with dear friends, as well as their children and grandchildren.

Betty’s faith was a deeply important part of her life.  Her faith formation began with her parents and their Baptist church.  After moving to Charlotte, she joined Myers Park Presbyterian Church, where she remained a lifelong member.  She had a strong and abiding faith, spending time regularly reading The Bible and daily devotions.  She loved her church and the beauty of gospel music, and her faith was woven into every aspect of her life, guiding the way she loved, served, and cared for others.

Together, Betty and Gary, Jr. sought to pass their faith on to their children through their example, their guidance, and by the way they lived their lives. Betty’s family finds great comfort in knowing that her faith was steadfast and that her salvation is secured through Jesus Christ.

Betty leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, family, and friendship that will live on in all who knew her.  She is survived by her son, Gary Heeseman, III, and his partner, Jan Love Jones, of Charlotte, NC; her son, Stephen Franklin Heeseman, and his spouse, Luci Litaker Heeseman, of Charlotte, NC; her grandchildren, Gary Heeseman IV (fiancée Olivia Saber) of Charleston, SC; Margaret Heeseman Dunn (Andrew); Emily Elizabeth Heeseman; Stephen Franklin Heeseman, Jr. (Jayden); and Katherine Lucile Heeseman (Skyler), all of Charlotte, NC; her brother, Larry Malcom Mishoe (Brenda), of Hillsborough, NC; her sisters-in-law, Becky W. Mishoe, of Bracey, VA; Betsy Heeseman Collins of Greenwood, SC; Erwin Heeseman Williams (Donald) of Charlotte, NC; and their respective families.  She is also survived by extended family members Beth Tyson Heeseman and Anne Scott Hatcher of Charlotte, NC.  Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Gary Heeseman, Jr., and her brother, William Franklin Mishoe, Jr.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM on Thursday, December 10, 2026, at Myers Park Presbyterian Church, 2501 Oxford Place, Charlotte, NC.  A reception will immediately follow the service in Oxford Hall.  The service will be live streamed at www.myersparkpres.org/live for those who are unable to attend in person.

The family would like to thank the staff of Southminster (skilled nursing facility), Via Health Partners (hospice) and Love & Care Senior Services for their loving care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory of Betty to St. Jude www.stjude.org, Via Health Partners www.viahp.org, or The Ivey at www.theivey.com.  

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606.  Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.