Regina "Gina" Althea Heaton, 69, Elizabethton, passed away Sunday, September 20, 2026 from a brief battle with cancer. She was born April 11, 1957 in Salisbury, North Carolina to the late Murrel & Delores Dale Houpe Goins. She had lived in Elizabethton for 59 years and was a graduate of Elizabethton High School.

 Gina was the definition of hard working and strong, traits that shone brightly throughout her life. As an independent house cleaner and waitress, she poured untiring energy into every task, always putting in long hours with an unwavering work ethic and resilience to provide for those she loved. 

Above all, Gina was deeply caring and loving. She was truly selfless, always caring for others before herself and putting the needs and comfort of her loved ones ahead of her own. Her heart was largest when spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she cherished endlessly. She found quiet joy in the simple pleasures of life—tending to her flowers, hunting for treasures at yard sales, and browsing local thrift stores. Her gentle spirit was also defined by being remarkably understanding and forgiving; she had a rare gift for listening without judgment, offering grace freely, and serving as a steady, comforting presence to anyone in need. She was a faithful member of the Stoney Creek Church of Christ.

 In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Jenny Johnson.

 Survivors include her husband of 37 years: Jeff Heaton. Two Children: Chad (Jill) Hatley and Raianna (Austin) Crawford. Four Grandchildren: Landon (Ragan) Ford, Savannah (Nathan) Jenkins, Zachery Coggins and Donevin (Shyann) Johnson. Six Great Grandchildren: Thea Ford, J.T. Browder, Mack Jenkins, Hudson Jenkins, Rexx Coggins and Bella Crawford. One Sister: Crystal (Glenn) Jacobs. Two special sisters: Kathy Perry and Joyce Bennett and her very special companion “Molly May”. 

A Service to Celebrate the life of Gina will be conducted at 7 p.m. Thursday, September 24, 2026 in Memorial Funeral Chapel with David Irick officiating. Graveside Service and Interment will be at 11 a.m. Friday, September 25, 2026 at the Walnut Mountain Cemetery. Music will be by the Congregation. Active Pallbearers will be: Howard Dennis, Zack Krug, Nathan Jenkins, Austin Crawford, Scott Heaton and Zach Coggins. The family would like to express a very special thank you to the Stoney Creek Congregation for all their prayers, cards and support during her illness. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Family and friends will assemble at the funeral home at 10 a.m. Friday to go in procession to the cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family on our web-site www.memorialfcelizabethton.com

 Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Heaton family.