LaWanda Pate Heaberlin's Obituary
Celebration of Life Services for LaWanda Pate Heaberlin, 96, of Longview will be held in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home, Longview on Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. with Dr. Rick Webb and Reverend Nathan Rogers officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday. Mrs. Heaberlin passed away on Friday, September 29, 2017 in Longview.
She was born in Center, TX on June 29, 1921 to John Alvin Pate, Sr. and Ruth Chapman Pate. She graduated Center High School in 1938 and worked as a bank teller in Houston. TX. She met Gilbert Heaberlin, the love of her life and they were married on April 25, 1942.
After World War II, she and Gilbert settled in Longview where she became a mother and homemaker. She was active in Longview Missionary Baptist Church and later at South Union Missionary Baptist Church in Daingerfield. She was past Worthy Matron in Eastern Star and past president of VFW Ladies’ Auxiliary, and Pandora Study Club. After retirement, she and Gilbert traveled the world extensively.
She is survived by her daughter Donna Heaberlin Sickel of Longview and son Don Heaberlin of Dallas. She is also survived by her extended family including several nieces, their spouses and children in East Texas. She is preceded in death by her husband Gilbert Heaberlin, parents and brother John A. Pate, Jr. and sister-in-law Maxine Rhodes Pate.
LaWanda was a beautiful woman of unwavering faith who was loved by all those who knew her. She was a gracious, charitable person who was cherished by her family and countless friends. Her presence will be missed but we are comforted knowing that her new life is eternal in Christ.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Buckner Westminster Place, 2201 Horseshoe Lane, Longview, TX 75605.
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