Amy Virginia Pearl Hecht, 95, Columbia, Md., passed away peacefully Jan. 27, 2025, following several years of decline with Alzheimer’s disease.
She was born Aug. 29, 1929, to the late Boyd and Carrie Turner Pearl in rural Missouri.
She grew up in Chamois and graduated from Chamois High School. Amy attended the University of Missouri and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics in 1951 and in 1968 received her Masters degree in Home Economics from Colorado State University.
She had a varied career, but her favorite occupation was teaching.
Amy was united in marriage to Roger Leon Hecht of Smith Center, Kan. July 14, 1956, and they started married life in Paola, Kan., where their children were born. The family moved to Topeka, Kan. and later to Fort Collins, Colo. While there Amy and Roger attended graduate school. They lived several years in Pittsburg, Kan., then moved to Johnson City, Tenn. in 1972. Amy and Roger lived in Johnson City for nearly five decades, where they had many close friends, including a large and close extended family at Covenant Presbyterian Church.
She enjoyed sewing, arts and crafts, and her wildflower garden. She and Roger loved camping in the nearby mountains and, after retirement, they enjoyed many trips abroad.
In 2019 with declining health, Amy moved to Columbia, Md. to be close to family. She was a wonderful mother and a loving grandmother.
She was preceded in death by husband of 55 years, Roger Hecht; and parents, Boyd and Carrie.
Amy is survived by daughter, Ruth Wilson and husband Martin of California; son, David Hecht and wife Beth of Maryland; grandchildren, Karen Hecht of Maryland and Steven Hecht and wife Summer; and great-grandchildren, Oliver, Spencer, Elliot and Jordan Hecht.
Memorial contributions suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association.
