LINCOLNTON, N.C.—Essie Jane Heavner, 85, of Lincolnton, passed away peacefully at her home, Monday, August 24, 2026 following a period of declining health. 

Essie Jane Heavner was born a twin on February 3, 1941 to the late Paul and Essie Heavner.  She also had twin brothers, Harold and Carroll who were ten years older.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her twin sister; Julia, brothers, Harold Heavner and Carroll Heavner and his wife Mary; nephews, Steve Heavner and wife Beverly, and Mark Heavner.

Jane attended Union High School and graduated in 1959. She attended Lenoir-Rhyne College in Hickory where she earned the Degree of Bachelor of Arts. Jane started teaching 3rd grade at Tryon Elementary, then at North Brook teaching 7th and 8th grades and retired teaching 8th grade at West Lincoln Middle School. Jane earned the Degree of Master of Education in 1972 at UNCC. She also earned the Certificate in Advanced Study at UNCC in 1985. 

Jane shared a lifelong love of travel with her sister Julia. Together they explored nearly every corner of the United States, visiting all 50 states with the exception of Alaska. Their travels also took them overseas, creating treasured memories across several continents. They toured Nova Scotia, and other parts of Canada and traveled throughout 21 countries in Europe, where some of their memorable sights included the White Cliffs of Dover and the Rock of Gibraltar. Their adventures continued into Northern Africa with a visit to Tangier, as well as Australia, where they toured the Sydney Opera House and experienced the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. In New Zealand, they enjoyed the unique experience of spending a night on a deer farm. Jane and Julia also traveled to the Bahamas and Bermuda, and visited Mexico, where they climbed the pyramids. Each destination became another chapter in a lifetime filled with shared experiences and memories. Beyond their travels, Jane and Julia devoted five years to caring for their mother until her passing in 2001. They spent a number of years living at Lake Norman before eventually making Lincoln County their home. Jane and her sister owned Twins Family Restaurant in Boger City and the Video Corner Store in Lincolnton.

Those left to cherish her memory include many nieces and nephews. The family would like to recognize her wonderful caregivers: Vicky, Viola and Emmy. They would also like to thank Jane and Julia’s loving neighbors.

A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 30, 2026 in the Bethphage Lutheran Church Cemetery with the Rev. Thomas Beers officiating.

The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. in the Family Life Center at Bethphage Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethphage Lutheran Church at 3440 Hwy 182, Lincolnton, NC 28092.

The Heavner family is in the care of Evergreen Funeral Service of Lincolnton, 704-240-3044.