Mary Ellen Heaton

Funeral services for Mary Ellen Heaton, 93, of Pollok will be held Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Charles M. Roberts and Reverend Roy Hall officiating. Interment will follow in the Gann Cemetery.  Mrs. Heaton was born May 15, 1923 in Kusa, Oklahoma to the late Harvey and Edna (Monroe) Thrailkill, and died just one day short of her 94th birthday Sunday, May 14, 2017 in Pollok. She graduated from Central Consolidated May 16, 1940, the day after she married the love of her life, C.T. Heaton. Mrs. Heaton was a gifted athlete during her high school years in both softball and volleyball. Her love of sports grew as she cheered on her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in their many sporting events. She loved her family with her whole heart.  Mrs. Heaton had a true servant’s heart with an immense love for the Lord. There was never a conversation with her that did not include what Christ had done for her, her desire to be with Him, and her passion for God’s word. Because of this, she was a Sunday School teacher at every church she attended. She was sought after by countless people for her incomparable “MeMa hugs” and encouraging words. Rarely was she seen without her warm smile. She was a fervent prayer warrior with a gift of making everyone feel like they were the most important person in her world. Everyone was her favorite.  Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Karen Heaton of Prairieville, Louisiana; daughters and sons-in-law, Gwyn and Michael Westbrook and Mary Beth and Larry Kendrick, all of Pollok; grandchildren, Kevin and Leslie Westbrook, Roy and Hila Westbrook, Dave and Becki Kendrick, Jill and Jonny Gerland, Mike and Angie Reed, Brenda Reed, and Lori Heaton; as well as 12 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, C.T. Heaton; brothers, Harvey Monroe Thrailkill, Clyde Lee Thrailkill, and Verdie Joe Thrailkill; grandson, Brent Heaton; granddaughter, Amy Westbrook; great-granddaughter, Gracie Gerland; and great-great-grandson, Gunnar Westbrook.  Pallbearers will be Kevin Westbrook, Roy Westbrook, Dave Kendrick, Jonny Gerland, Ryan Westbrook, Reid Westbrook, Rory Westbrook, Joseph Gerland, and Preston Stewart.  The family extends special thanks to Dr. Michael Huber and Hospice in the Pines for their care of Mrs. Heaton.  Memorial contributions may be made to Denman Avenue Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1351, Lufkin, Texas 75902 or Hospice in the Pines, 1504 W. Frank Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75904.  The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home.  Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com .   Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.