Jennifer “Heidi” Gamble, who never answered to “Jennifer” unless she was in trouble, was born in Charleston, SC, but claimed Hendersonville, NC as home for most of her life. On September 12th, 2025, she left this world the way she lived in it, on her own terms, leaving a trail of love, sass, and probably a few eye rolls.
Heidi was a mother first and foremost to her daughter Ashley, who will forever carry her fiery spirit. She was also a caregiver to many, both formally and informally. She worked at GE for many years as well as at Crab Creek produce stand. If you needed a hand, she was there, unless you were out of line, in which case she’d set you straight first, then help you anyway.
Heidi was the kind of woman who could work circles around most people, laugh in the middle of hard times, and call you out without a second thought if you needed it. Her humor was quick, sharp, and sometimes a little sideways, which is why she was lovingly called “Heidea”—because she was every bit as bold, funny, and unforgettable as Madea herself. She didn’t waste time pretending to like people she didn’t, but if she loved you, she loved you fiercely. With a wit that could stop you in your tracks and a knack for turning even the most ordinary day into a story worth retelling, Heidi believed that life was meant to be lived loud and unapologetically.
She was welcomed into eternity by her parents, Joyce and Gary Patterson; her grandparents, Grady and Margaret Reese; and her special cousin, Dale Reese, no doubt all waiting with open arms and maybe a little mischief.
She leaves behind her daughter Ashley Gamble; her brother Luke Patterson (Holly, children Thane and Ariel); her sister Jamie Bell (Steven, and daughters Stephanie and Melissa); sister Jodi Sexton; sister in-law/friend Connie Clark (children Carley, Meagan, Hunter, and Linsey). Cousins Robin Reese (Mike), Dustin Reese (Anai, children Georgia and Cade), Sara Reese Haney (Trevor, children Briley and Charlie), and Kate Reese (Noah). Her circle of friends, who were truly chosen family includes Jim Sexton (Jenny, and daughter Chesnee), Kolt Sexton, Carl and Christine Orr, and many more whose lives she touched.
She also leaves behind her loyal dogs, Stitch and Molly, along with her four cats.
Heidi will be remembered for her resilience, her spitfire attitude, her refusal to take nonsense from anyone, and her fierce loyalty to those she loved. If you knew her, you were either laughing, learning, or occasionally being told off, but always better for it.
The family would like to give a heartfelt (and slightly rowdy) shout out to the incredible staff at Four Seasons Hospice Elizabeth House, especially Nick and Kathleen, who cared for Heidi with compassion, humor, and dignity.
And in true Heidi fashion, she’d probably tell us all to stop crying, grab a drink and a cig, and behave ourselves, because she’s still watching.
Service to be held this Saturday September 20th at Crab Creek Baptist Church. Visitation at 2pm with service following at 3pm. We encourage everyone to wear purple, Heidi’s favorite color. There will also be a fundraiser held at Crab Creek Community Building at 4pm with proceeds going to Ashley to assist during this difficult time.
Condolences may be sent to the Gamble family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or C/O Jackson Funeral Service 1101 Greenville Highway, Hendersonville, NC 28792. Please include the name of the deceased on the condolence.