Thelma Heaton

Died: Nov. 30, 2012

ROAN MOUNTAIN -- Thelma Cooke Heaton, 93, Laughlin HealthCare Center, Greeneville, died Friday after an extended illness.

Born in Banner Elk, N.C., she was a daughter of the late Robert Lee and Hattie Culver Cooke. She had resided in the Roan Mountain community since her marriage to her late husband, George W. Heaton, in 1937.

Surviving are her sons and daughters-in-law: Sammy Dean Heaton and wife, Ruth, of Greeneville, and Robert George Heaton and wife, Carolyn, of Johnson City; three grandchildren: Dr. Carla Nickle and husband, Dr. Ken Nickle, and Christopher Heaton, of Greeneville, and Aaron Heaton and wife, Shelley, of Jonesborough; five great-grandchildren: Michael, Alexander, and Maggie Brown, Charlie Strange, and Layne Heaton; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by two brothers: Clyde and Harry Cooke, and one sister: Estelle Goforth, all of Banner Elk.

Mrs. Heaton was a life-long member of the Roan Mountain United Methodist Church, where she was the church pianist for more than 50 years.

She was a former music teacher in the Carter County School System, an accomplished artist, a devoted wife, mother and friend to all with whom she came in contact.

The family of Mrs. Heaton will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. today at the Rhododendron Chapel of Hathaway-Percy and Tetrick Funeral Home, Roan Mountain.

Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Lon Tobin officiating.

Interment will immediately follow in the Johnson-Roan View Cemetery with pallbearers being selected from family and friends.

Condolences may be sent to the family and viewed by visiting http://www.hathawaypercy.com.