Shirley N. Heaton

Mrs. Shirley Ann Norton Heaton, 87, of Hartwell, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 13, 202 at her home after a long illness.

Born on February 3, 1939, in Hartwell GA, she was the daughter of the late John James Norton and Ruby Vickery Norton. She was a long-time member of the Flat Shoals Baptist Church then later relocated to Hartwell First Baptist Church of Hartwell where she was very active in Sunday School. She was very passionate about everything she did and she did it SO well. She loved gardening and growing flowers, she was talented as a pianist and loved playing for family and friends, she was a wonderful cook and was always the designated one to bring the birthday cake, and she also started collecting antiques way back in the early 60’s before anyone thought about being interested in them and had quite a beautiful collection of furniture, glassware, and interesting things. Shirley worked as a Physical Therapy Nurse at Hart County Hospital for a number of years before an early retirement.

Shirley is survived by her sister: Nadean Banister (Grady); a very special niece: Lydia Mauldin (Chip); her faithful companion/caretaker: John Neitzel; two sisters-in law: Elizabeth H. Moore and Dean Heaton all of Hartwell ; one brother-in-law: Paul W. Heaton (Merita) of California; one aunt: Lutrelle Norton of Alto, GA; and many precious nieces & nephews, and many loving cousins also survive.

Shirley was preceded in death by her loving devoted husband of over 50 years: Burkley Heaton; parents: John James & Ruby Norton; a sister: Mildred Ethridge; and infant sister: Betty Jean Norton; and a brother: Jerry Norton.

It was Mrs. Shirley Heaton’s wishes to be cremated and a graveside service will be held Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Nancy Hart Memorial Park with Rev. Matt Elmore and Mr. Lonnie Unruh officiating. The family will receive friends following the graveside. At other times the family will be at the home of Grady & Nadean Banister, 177 Cedar Pond Rd, Hartwell.

Flowers are optional, memorials may be made to the Sardis Baptist Church, 4359 Anderson Hwy, Hartwell, GA 30643.

The Strickland Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hartwell is assisting the family with all of the arrangements.