Carla Denise Heaton

Carla was born in Maryville, TN, but grew up in Knoxville, where she loved climbing trees and running barefoot through the hills and hollers. A proud member of the Doyle High School Flag Corps and Marching Band (Class of '85), she played the saxophone, flute, clarinet, and even the tuba.

As an adult, Carla worked as a nurse (BSN) and nurse educator (MDS coordinator) for nearly four decades. She cared deeply for her patients and students and often blended her medical know-how with compassion, sass, and the occasional “did-you-wash-your-hands” side-eye.

Carla was known for her mischievous charm and ability to make anyone double over with laughter. She enjoyed digging into genealogy records, tracing her family’s lineage all the way back to Rollo the Viking. Carla's creativity knew no bounds; she could paint, write, draw, sew, crochet, and cook just about anything, with her lasagna and banana pudding becoming legendary. She also studied Kung Fu and Ti Chi for years, achieving a black sash and mastering the pudao, straight sword, and broad sword..While she certainly had a serious side, Carla always had a way of making people laugh, and she cherished her friends and family fiercely. She was especially pleased to be a mother and grandmother. Her eyes twinkled when she showed people pictures of her grandbaby, Valerie.

Carla is survived by her parents, Charlotte and Richard Haviland; daughter Rachel (Travis) Williams and granddaughter, Valerie; brothers Jeff and Tim (Liz) Heaton; nephew Eli Heaton; Eli's mom, Juli (Ron) Murphy; and many dear friends including her BFFs: David Grimes, Eric Page, and Amber Haas.

A memorial gathering will be held for friends and family at the South Knoxville Church of Christ, 4604 Chapman Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920 on July 26, 2025, at 1:00 pm.

Carla always wished for her funeral to be a celebration, not a time for sadness. She wanted people to remember the good times, share laughter, and wear bright, cheerful colors. So please join us wearing your most vibrant attire and be prepared to laugh as we reminisce about all the reasons why we love Carla Heaton.

In lieu of flowers, please keep up with your annual health screenings and physicals, hug on your loved ones, and cherish every moment.

Online condolences and fond memories may be shared with the Heaton family at www.berryfuneralhome.com