Carolyn Ruth Heaton 9/14/41 - 10/2/21

Carolyn Ruth Heaton of Greenville, SC passed peacefully at home surrounded by her family on October 2nd at the age of 80. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and beloved friend to many in her community. 

Carolyn was born on September 14, 1941 in Mt. Vernon Indiana, daughter of Helen and Albert Uebelhack. She began her career as an Executive Assistant at Bristol Myers, transferring from Evansville, IN to New York City in 1969. She met her husband, Peter Heaton, in New York and after an extensive letter-writing campaign, she succumbed to his British charm and sense of humor, marrying him in 1972. Peter and Carolyn lived in New Rochelle, NY and Bridgeport CT, welcoming son Andrew in 1974 and daughter Amy in 1976 before settling down in Long Island. 

In 1985, Peter’s job at Michelin re-located the family to Greenville, SC where Carolyn remained heavily engaged in the PTA and became a member of the Westminster Presbyterian choir. She continued her career as an Executive Assistant at Liberty corporation and at Furman University, where she supported the Paladin Club’s mission of raising scholarship funds for athletes. Carolyn also worked as a volunteer usher at the Peace Center, eventually accepting a job as Head Usher. Her playful spirit and unique ability to authentically connect with everyone she met made her an irreplaceable member of the communities at the Peace Center and Furman University. 

Carolyn’s favorite pastimes were listening to her son play violin, planning and cooking meals with her daughter, listening to Garrison Keillor’s Prairie Home Companion, playing piano, taking her granddogs through drive-thrus for biscuits, and reading to or playing with her beloved granddaughter. Her love of life and ability to light up any room will be sorely missed. 

Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents Helen and Albert, husband Peter, sister Marilyn, and brother Harold. She is survived by her son Andrew Heaton (wife Karolyn), daughter Amy Heaton, granddaughter Rowan, niece Teri Nolan (husband David), great nephews Brandon and Nathan, great niece Kailyn, and granddogs Oscar and Willie Nelson.

A memorial service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church (2310 Augusta Street, Greenville, SC 29605) on Sunday, October 17 at 3:00 pm. The service will also be live-streamed at https://wpc-online.org/live-stream-worship/. On October 23rd at 3:00, the family will hold a ceremony followed by a graveside service at Salem-Heusler Church (11325 Lower Mt. Vernon Rd Evansville, IN 47712).