Mileva Jovanovic Heckner fell asleep in the Lord on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, at 9:51am. Mileva was born in Slavonska Pozega, Croatia during the heart of World War II. Like many Serbs that grew up in Croatia during that time, her family faced many obstacles to survive. After losing her parents to the war, she was raised by her aunt and uncle. The closeness that developed between Mileva and her first cousins (sisters) helped strengthen them in their early childhood and throughout their lives. This closeness remained constant even when Mileva moved to the United States. As a young woman, Mileva completed nursing school and worked with newborns. In the mid 70’s, Mileva met the love of her life, Gordon Heckner in a cafe in Croatia. For a time, they would write to one another from overseas. They eventually became engaged and were married at Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Church, Steubenville, Ohio. Mileva and Gordon made their home with their two sons Aleks (Aco) and Alan until they moved to Houston in 1993. Throughout her life, Mileva has been an active member in the Serbian community. In both Houston and Galveston, she has been a pillar in her church community. She was well known for her authentic, handmade baked goods and meals. She was talented in needlepoint, knitting and crocheting. This was evidenced by the many pieces of artwork in her home and the unique pieces she would make for her five granddaughters.

Mileva is preceded in death by her father, Dusan Jovanovic, and her mother, Darinka Zecevic Jovanovic.

She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Gordon Heckner; son, Alan, and wife, Bianca; and son, Aleks, and wife, Monica. She is also survived by her beloved granddaughters Ani, Anastasia, Sofia, Eden and Natalia.

Honorary pallbearers will be Alan D. Heckner, Aleks G. Heckner, Dragan Babic, Willie Pitcher, Jimmie Breedlove, and Michael Powell.

Mileva is also survived by many relatives and friends all over the country and throughout the world.  May Mileva’s memory be eternal.