FEATURES

Lomie Heard namesake remembered; honored by all

  • Published
  • By Susan Robinson
  • Airman Family and Readiness Center
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev --  The name "Lomie Heard" is legendary to generations of Air Force children who lived on Nellis AFB and attended the on-base school between 1950 and 2009. 

Ms. Heard impacted the lives of countless military children during her 21 years as principal of Nellis Air Force Base School, which was later, renamed Lomie Gray Heard Elementary School in her honor. Ms. Lomie Gray Heard passed away on Feb. 5, at the age of 103 

Ms. Heard was born in Carlsbad, New Mexico on Jan. 22, 1906. She spent her childhood on her parents' cattle ranch where she also attended school. She graduated from high school in Lovington, N.M. in 1923. Ms. Heard taught in New Mexico schools for 18 years, and spent one year with the United States Indian Service in Arizona until she was recruited to Las Vegas in 1944. Her first six years in Las Vegas were at Jefferson School. Ms. Heard was appointed principal of Nellis Air Force Base School in 1950, where she served as the principal from 1950-1971. The school's name was changed to Lomie Gray Heard Elementary School in 1971. 

Ms. Heard resided in Payson, Ariz. with her family, although she often visited Lomie G. Heard Elementary School over the years. She celebrated her 100th birthday with the staff and students at Heard Elementary School in 2006, and was an inspiration to everyone she met. 

"Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Heard in person, I have had several phone conversations and correspondence with this remarkable woman," said Ms. Traci L. Dyer, the current Lomie Heard Elementary School principal. "This past week, many students shared stories of when they had the pleasure of meeting Miss Heard during her 100th birthday celebration at Lomie Heard ES. Ms. Heard visited every classroom, shook every child's hand, and answered any questions the students asked. Her enthusiasm for learning and for all children was truly amazing. I am so proud to be the principal of the school named in her honor." 

Ms. Heard will be remembered fondly by Nellis, Creech, and the entire Las Vegas community.