Evangelist Ira L. Heard

Evangelist Ira L. Heard, 71, of Leesburg, peacefully passed away at her home on Friday, July 8, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. Due to the possible inclement weather on Friday, July 15, 2022, services have been moved to the chapel of Joseph W. Jones Funeral Home, 375 US Hwy 19 S., Leesburg, GA 31763 with the service time of 10:00 a.m. remaining the same. A repass will follow at the funeral home. Evangelist Ira L. Heard born February 15, 1951, in Leesburg, Ga. to the late Arthur Lee Young Sr. and Lonnie Mae Stokes Young. She was employed with the Lee County School System as a beloved bus driver for over 30 years. Minister Heard was a faithful member of New Direction Christian Church in Albany, GA where she served as the President of the Usher’s Ministry. On May 26, 2007, she married the love of her life, Deacon McArthur Heard. This union created a blended family of 8 adult children. First and foremost, Minister Heard was a devoted and faithful servant of God. She had a heart for evangelism and enjoyed more than ministering to all she came in contact with. She lived up to her calling to be about God’s business and was the epitome of mustard seed faith. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, Godmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Minister Heard was also an exemplary and professional seamstress. She had a green thumb, enjoyed working in her flower garden, and was also a huge supporter of St. Judes. Along with her parents she was preceded in death by a brother, Arthur Young Jr., and daughter, Renorta Heard. Those left to share Ira’s legacy include her husband, Deacon McArthur Heard of Leesburg; five sons, Pastor Lorenzo Heard (Leslie), Leroy Young (Mary), Bobby Tucker, Jr. all of Albany, GA, Maurice Young (Shonda) of Killeen, TX; Vincent Lawson (Marlene) of Loganville, GA; two daughters, Rhonda Evett Gray (Chris) of Houston, TX, and Lonnie Tucker; three sisters, Lula Hugley, Eva Young, Casa Young, all of Orlando, FL; four brothers, Roger Young Sr., Elijah Young Sr., Daniel Young, and Henry Mathis; and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that loved her dearly.