Jennifer "Jenni" Heimburger

Jennifer “Jenni” Louise Smith Heimburger, 71, of Boone, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

Born on December 31, 1953, in Akron, OH, Jenni was the daughter of the late Charles Edward and Florence Cross Smith. She dedicated her service to the Cuyahoga Police Department, where she met her beloved husband, James “Jim” Edward Heimburger. Together, they spent forty wonderful years creating cherished memories, including countless motorcycle adventures. After leaving law enforcement, Jenni embarked on another rewarding career, serving the community for 28 years at Lowes Foods. Her kindness, warmth, and friendly smile touched everyone she encountered.Jenni was passionate about nature, especially caring for her plants and birdwatching. She held a deep affection for animals, reflected in her ongoing support for animal welfare. Above all else, Jenni treasured spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought immense joy to her life.In addition to her parents, Jenni was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Heimburger. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughters, Kimberly “Kim” Brown (Husband Mike Brown) and Cathryn “Cat” Franks; stepson Eric Heimburger (Kathy); brother Jerry Smith (Beverly); grandchildren Angela Franks (partner Aaron Corea) and Michael Osborne (Wife Kristin Osborne); step-grandchildren Joseph “Joey” Heimburger (Elisa) and Matthew “Matt” Heimburger; great-grandchildren Kyzen Osborne, Briar Osborne, and Aubrey Corea; nephew Jason Smith; and sister-in-law Sharon “Shari” Dominguez (Luis).

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 3:00PM in Perkinsville Baptist Church, 274 Jefferson Rd, Boone, NC 28607. A private celebration of life will be held by the family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Watauga Humane Society via their website at www.wataugahumane.org.

Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek, 3315 Silas Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.hayworth-miller.com.