Wilma Marie Heggie

In Loving Memory of Wilma Marie Heggie

Wilma Marie Heggie, 79, of Hamden, Connecticut, passed peacefully on October 21, 2026, at Yale New Haven Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Hampstead, North Carolina, to Maggie Fuller and Thomas Shepard, Wilma attended Pender Academy Elementary School and graduated from Topsail High School.

Affectionately known as Marie or Heggie, Wilma was a woman whose life was defined by love, compassion, and service to others. A natural caregiver, she had an open-door policy and a heart that always made room for one more. In addition to raising her five biological children, she lovingly cared for countless children, welcomed those in need into her home, and made sure no one went hungry or felt turned away. With much of her family far away, she built a family of her own in Connecticut through her kindness and generosity. To many, she was more than a friend—she was Mom, Auntie, and Godmother. Her home and heart were places of comfort, warmth, and belonging.

Throughout her working years, Wilma held several positions, including at Mead Street Convalescent, Elm Haven Head Start, and the Yale School of Music. Her commitment to helping others extended beyond her employment. As a member of the Unitarian Society, she actively participated in community service. She also dedicated many years to running the Waverly Food Pantry and served on the board overseeing its operations, helping ensure that those in need received support and care.

Wilma’s faith was a guiding force throughout her life. She began her spiritual journey at Mount Carmel in New Haven, where she was ordained and served as an Evangelist. She later answered the call to help build Holiness Church of Jesus Christ in New Haven, where she was elevated to Overseer. Her final calling was to support her son’s ministry at Solid Rocks Perfected Praise Church in Meriden, Connecticut, which became her spiritual home until her passing. Her faith, dedication, and willingness to serve were evident in every chapter of her life.

Wilma was predeceased by her parents, Maggie Fuller and Thomas Shepard; her brother, David Fuller; and her sister, Annie Mitchell.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her children, Panza, Maurice (Tanya), Kajuana (Roger), Arelious, Adrian, Nikolas, and Jaoni; her grandchildren, Kiara, Maurice, Jeremiah, Jaylin, Roger Jr., Briana, Kabryah, and Cheyenne; her siblings, Mabel Drye, Joe Fuller, Marvin Fuller (Joyce), and Allen Fuller (Rose); and her beloved great-granddaughter, Zya. She also leaves behind godchildren Aaron, Shernel, Tanya and Brittany as well as sisters in love Linda Barnes and Theresa Ashe. Wilma had countless extended family members, friends, and loved ones whose lives were touched by her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love.

Though Wilma’s earthly journey has ended, the love she gave, the lives she nurtured, the doors she opened, and the faith she lived will continue to shine through all who knew her. Her legacy is one of a giving heart, a welcoming home, and a life devoted to caring for others. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, November 2, 2026 at The Springs of Life-Giving Water Church 375 Howard Avenue New Haven, CT 06519 at 11am. Viewing in Church from 10:00am-11:00am. Burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery, New Haven,CT. Condolences may be expressed at Colonialfunerals.com.