In Memory of
Miriam Waggoner Heiskell
October 15, 1918 - January 21, 2016
Obituary
On January 21, 2016, Miriam Heiskell died peacefully at home surrounded by three generations of loved ones. She was born on October 15, 1918 in Morristown, TN, to A. B. and Blanche (Proffitt) Waggoner and grew up in Maryville, TN, in a close-knit family with three brothers and twenty-three first cousins.

Born into a family that expected women and men to accomplish much, Miriam excelled at a young age. She played the piano, organ, and French horn as well as first trumpet in the Maryville High School championship band. Her debating skills were honed in high school while competing in debate at the state and national levels. An honor student at Maryville College, she transferred to the University of Tennessee where she graduated Cum Laude in 1940 with a double major in Child Development and Foods and Nutrition and began her teaching career after graduation.

On June 18, 1941, Miriam married James Moulten Heiskell in Maryville, at a ceremony officiated by her grandfather, a Presbyterian minister. Over the next seven years, Miriam moved twenty-one times, following her husband Jim who served in the defense industry and the U.S. Navy during World War II and settled into a career with the Coca-Cola Company after the war.

Five days after arriving in Atlanta in 1948, their eldest son Andy was stricken with polio. When his recovery was declared a miracle, the doctors told his young parents that he could go to first grade. To prepare Andy for school, Miriam started a play group which developed into one of Atlanta's first preschools. Encouraged by parents, Miriam and Jim eventually expanded the school into a regionally accredited educational institution that served two-year olds through 8th grade students. God used the apparent tragedy of Andy's illness for His glory and the good of generations of students educated at the school that became known as The Heiskell School.

The Heiskell School became an avenue for Mrs. Heiskell and her staff to evangelize and disciple families. It emphasized a rigorous academic curriculum integrated with the Word of God and respect for the principles that made America great. Her philosophy was summed up in Proverbs 22:6. "Train up a child in the way He should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

This school in Buckhead was the first in the nation to be honored by the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission for Meritorious Support of the 1976 bicentennial celebration. During her long life Mrs. Heiskell received many honors, including one from the Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge and the DAR Medal of Honor. She was also recognized as a distinguished alumna of Maryville College as well as the University of Tennessee.

Mrs. Heiskell spent her life in service to others. A trustee and founder of Mount Vernon Christian Academy, she was also a trustee of the Atlanta Counseling Center and a board member of Education for Freedom. She was a life-long Presbyterian and a studious proponent of Christian education, helping people across the country organize Christian schools and actively supporting Christian youth ministries.

In 2009, more than 500 parents, faculty, alumni and friends joined the Heiskell family at the Atlanta History Center to celebrate the school's 60th anniversary. In 2014, the Heiskell School completed its service to the Lord and the greater Atlanta community, celebrating 65 years of God's blessing.

Through the years, Miriam and Jim enjoyed bridge clubs, square dance club, and couples' Bible studies. They hosted young people in their home so often that is was known as the Heiskell Hilton. Adventuresome, they traveled frequently with their children and grandchildren. Miriam especially enjoyed her trip around the world.

Mrs. Heiskell was a highly regarded educator, Christian leader, and patriot. She often said that her aim in life was to glorify God and to fulfill the mission that God had for her. In her own words, "When God provided an opportunity to impact children's lives through Christian education, I found my life's calling."

Mrs. Heiskell is survived by her four children: son Andy Heiskell and wife Pamela Cleaves of New York, NY, and Bonita Springs, FL; son Jim Heiskell and wife Connie of Atlanta; daughter Sally Lassiter and husband Ike of Hot Springs, NC; daughter Cyndie Heiskell of Atlanta; by twelve grandchildren: Laurel MacLeod of Manassas, VA; Jamie Heiskell and John Heiskell of Atlanta; Catherine St. Clair of Oakland, CA; Robert Heiskell of Philadelphia, PA; Connie Bolger of Branson, MO; Matthew Lassiter of Ann Arbor, MI; Rebekah DeRoco of Richmond, VA, Sarah Beth Murphy of Birmingham, MI; Isaac Lassiter of Ellijay, GA; Mary Alice Proffitt of East Calais, VT; and Daniel Lassiter of Soquel, CA; and by thirty-three great-grandchildren, three nieces, and four nephews. She was predeceased in 2014 by her husband of 73 years, James, and in 1997 by granddaughter Rachel Lassiter.

The Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, January 31, 2016, at H. M. Patterson & Son, Spring Hill Chapel at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Evangelical Institute School of Biblical Training, Educate the Children, Project Mercy (.org) or College of the Ozarks.