Heather Marie Earnheart

Heather Marie Earnheart, 51, went to be with our Lord on September 6, 2025. She was born on March 11, 1974, in Memphis, TN to Robert Earnheart Jr. and Rilla Venable. From a young age, Heather was curious, thoughtful, and determined. She earned several associate degrees in Business, Administration, and Management, and was working toward a degree in Criminal Justice, always eager to learn and grow. Her love of knowledge was matched by her big heart, her humor, and the joy she brought to everyone around her.

Heather is survived by her son, Connor Sams; her mother, Rilla Venable; her Mom, Susie Earnheart (Momma Susie); her stepmother, Regina McGee Earnheart; her stepfather, Guy Venable; her sister, April Earnheart, and sister-in-law, Shanna Watkins-Earnheart; her stepbrothers, Montana Todd and Brian Venable; and her nephews, Devon Watkins and Brandon Watkins, who brought her so much joy. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Earnheart Jr., and her brother, Eric Earnheart.

Heather had the softest heart, kind and a giving spirit. She loved with all she had, and when she loved you, you knew it. Her laugh was infectious, and she had a way of making any room feel lighter the moment she entered. She was wonderfully silly, had a wicked sense of humor, and could make anyone laugh, often with the worst jokes told in the very best way. She adored animals, especially cats, and never turned down music or a good movie. You could often find her with her headphones on, completely lost in her music and dancing like she was the only one in the room,
or curled up next to her sister watching a scary movie. When it mattered most, Heather would be there through thick and thin, fearless in facing whatever needed to be done for those she loved. She had a way of noticing the little things that brought joy to others and a special gift for brightening the lives of those around her. The beach was her happy place. She felt most free with the ocean breeze on her face and the wind in her hair, carrying that sense of peace with her through the ups and downs of life.

Her family and friends will always remember her little sayings that were so uniquely Heather: "Once upon a time," when life went sideways, and the smirking, "You sure know what to say," whenever someone made a comment she couldn't resist teasing.

Heather loved deeply, and she was deeply loved. Her memory will live on in the hearts of everyone who was lucky enough to know her.

When she closed her eyes for the last time here on earth, she opened them to see the face of our Lord. Heather is finally at peace and free.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." -Isaiah 41:10

A service to celebrate her life will be held at Forrest Hill Memorial – East, 2440 Whitten Road, Memphis, TN 38133. Visitation will be from 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM, with the Memorial Service at 2:45 PM.