Fort King Presbyterian Church

I had a feeling I would forget something important this week, but I can’t believe that Suzy’s introduction as a new member of our congregation was the important something. Please know that my failure to show up was in no way a reflection of my regard for Suzy, which is very high ❤.
 
Here is what I would have said, had I been in church instead of setting up for the HH exhibit! Suzy is quite humble, and probably left out some of this, so I really want to share:
 
We are SO blessed to have Suzy Heinbockel and her husband John (they have been married for 25 years) as new members of Ft. King Presbyterian. I first heard of Suzy when she served on our City Council between 2009 and 2013. She caught my attention for her intelligence, her responsiveness to her constituents’ needs, and her commitment to making Ocala a greener, more environmentally responsible community. 
 
Suzy has helped the city of Ocala in many other ways – serving as a school volunteer, volunteering with the PACE Center for Girls, and serving as a board member of the Friends of the Ocala Library…to name a few. 
 
I was thrilled to learn that Suzy is a native of Kentucky, where my husband and my father’s family also have their roots. It is wonderful to have one more Wildcat in this sea of Gators!
 
Suzy was born and raised in Whitesburg, in the hills of eastern Kentucky which have been so ravaged by recent floods. Her heart is still with the people of eastern KY, and she has been active in acquiring funding and services for those people. 
 
Before leaving Kentucky, Suzy earned a BA in Interior Design from the University of KY. She moved with John  to Florida in 1989, obtained an MBA from St. Leo University, and worked in procurement services for Walt Disney World for 8 years before her first child was born. She worked primarily as a full-time mom while her son and daughter were still at home.
 
Now an empty nester, Suzy remains busy. She has focused on pursuing travel adventures, thrift store shopping, and producing beautiful fiber art.  In fact, she contributed in a significant way to Art 4 All about one month before the pandemic hit! She and her friend Bridget showed people of all ages how to make beauty out of recycled materials, when they taught us how to crochet & knit purses out of plastic grocery bags. Their second lesson was cancelled due to COVID-19….but we look forward to resuming soon, and having Suzy as part of our very creative group.
 
Suzy, you and John are both such valuable additions to our church family. You are both wise and humble servants with much integrity, and much to offer. We are thrilled to have you among us.
  
I know everyone will welcome Suzy and John with open arms! As I said, we are so very blessed.
 
Joanne Cornell-Ohlman