Mary Kathryn Wilson Heaton passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on May 19, 2016, having fought a courageous battle with cancer for three years.

Born in Bulloch County, Georgia on February 23, 1939, she was the seventh of eleven children born to Roy and Leola Wilson. She married her beloved husband of 59 years, Roger, on December 22, 1956. While raising her three children, she attended Georgia Southern College, graduating in 1969. Her family moved to Hartwell, Georgia, where she taught in the Hart County School System for 30 years. While teaching, she also completed her Master's degree and Specialist's degree from the University of Georgia. After she retired, she spent her remaining years reading, traveling, and spending time with her precious family. Her favorite journey was to the Holy Land, which she visited four times. On her last trip, she was baptized in the Jordan River.

Kathryn is survived by her husband, Roger Ford Heaton, a daughter and son-in-law, Kimberly and Robert Brown of Atlanta, and two sons and daughters-in-law, Kevin and Jennifer Heaton, and Chris and Angela Heaton, all of Hartwell. She was loved by nine grandchildren: Tad, Griffin and Sydney Brown; Heather, Max, and Sam Heaton; and Aereyona, Olivia and Aleesha Heaton. She is also survived by two sisters, Janice Nance and Martha Floyd Wilson, both of Statesboro, GA.

She was pre-deceased by her parents: Roy and Leola Manes Wilson, sisters: Ouida Rossman, Dorothy Geiger, Anna Belle Leopold, Loree Battaglia, Geraldine Powers Brannen, and brothers James Wilson, Edwin Wilson and Gilbert Wilson, and a beloved grandson Chandler Ford Brown.

She was a member of First Baptist Church of Hartwell, and a member of the Willing Workers Sunday School Class.She served in many capacities as a faithful teacher and volunteer.She was also a member of the Retired Teachers Association, the Red Hat Society, and was a former member of the Pine Tree Garden Club.

Throughout her life, she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the hearts and trust of many who, even now, are being influenced by her witness. Her life was exemplified by constant nurturing, faith and love. Her gifts of patience and generosity were reflected in her kind spirit; she possessed the heart of a true servant. She adored her family, and especially her beloved grandchildren.

The body is at the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell, where the family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday evening. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 11:00 am at the First Baptist Church of Hartwell with Rev. Carter Tucker and Dr. Steve Albanese officiating. The family is at the home.Flowers are optional; memorials may be given in loving memory of Kathryn Heaton to The Gideon International Hart County Camp, P.O. Box 59, Hartwell, Georgia 30643.

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.