Heidi Maddox

Heidi Veronica Joseph Maddox, 52, on Friday, Feb. 24, 2012, God called one of His faithful servants home.She was born on Wednesday, June 10, 1959 in Chattanooga to the late Moses and Evelyn Joseph. She was a 1977 graduate of Howard High School. Heidi was proud to be a "Hustling Tiger." In 2000, she received her associate of science degree in Early Childhood Education from Chattanooga State Technical Community College. Heidi was an employee with the city of Chattanooga with the Head Start Program for 15 years, later retiring as a Head Supervisor.She was married to Larry Maddox Sr., for 16 years and had nine beautiful children. She really enjoyed raising her children. Motherhood was her greatest joy.She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Magdalene Brown and Dolores McCallum.Heidi confessed to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at the age of 15. She knew her "spiritual gifts" and began operating in them at an early age. Heidis personal mission, in her words were:"To be a light, an encourager and let people know, there is nothing too hard for our GOD, to walk by faith and not by sight, to help others know Him and have a relationship with Him, so they can feel His love and presence and to take it one day at a time and make the most of it."She worked in the church in several capacities from Sunday School teacher to Youth Director and Program Coordinator at various churches. She faithfully attended Olivet Baptist Church and was a dedicated member of New Way Baptist Church. Heidi was also a Bible Instructor at Child Evangelism Fellowship and served as a Summer Missionary. She was always known for going the "extra mile."In 2007, Heidi was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia. As a result of this illness, she had a Bone Marrow Transplant in June 2010. Despite all the efforts to be healed by man, Heidi knew that God was the true healer and believed that His will would be done.Heidi leaves to cherish her memories her nine children, Annteshae Maddox, Krissi (Rashaun) Strickland, Nashville, Larry Maddox Jr., Terry Maddox, Garry (Shameka) Maddox, Holly Maddox, Kerry Maddox, Monika Maddox and Barry Maddox; her seven grandchildren, Donmenick, Summer, Deutae, TreMel, Tiara, Rashaun Jr. and Toney; sisters, Evelyn (Minister Aaron Sims Sr.) Sims and Iris Clark; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins extended family, friends and beloved co-workers.Funeral services will be held at noon on Thursday, March 1, 2012, at Olivet Baptist Church.Interment in Forest Hills Cemetery.The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. today at John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 622-9995.