Gail Killian Bensten (Heaton), 74, of Prosperity, passed from this life at 1:17 AM on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 in her home, surrounded by loved ones. Born in Marietta, GA on March 6, 1947, Gail was the daughter of the late Edward Franklin Killian II, and Nina Bass Killian. She experienced a life of hairpin turns in convertibles, refueling runs in B-52 bombers, and parking lot standoffs with television personalities of questionable repute. After growing up in North Charleston and Folly Beach, SC, she married William S. Heaton Sr., a recent Citadel graduate. As a military spouse, she embraced the challenges of making a home and becoming an integral part of the community wherever in the world she and her family lived – Alabama, Tripoli, Libya, California, Texas, Arkansas, South Dakota, and South Carolina. She graduated from North Charleston High School in 1965, and Black Hills State University in South Dakota. She worked for many years as an Associate Director of Chapter Programs with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, advocating tirelessly for people in need of services and assistance. Gail was a tenacious woman – a Bosslady – able to accomplish all tasks while remaining beautiful and refined. She was always active, always loving, and always giving to others. She was an avid master gardener and belonged to the Prosperity Garden Club. She had an adventurous side, especially if it meant whitewater rafting, train travel, road trips out west, or some other exciting experience with her grandsons. She never met a stranger – human or pet – and was always actively looking for ways to support those around her. She found immense joy in her experiences helping baby sea turtles make their way into the ocean. At the beginning of the Covid pandemic – when masks were scarce – she somehow located large quantities of very limited materials and handmade over four hundred masks for front line health workers. She also coordinated nationwide with other mask-makers to share the materials she had procured. She always found a way of taking moments of crisis and turning them into an opportunity to help others. Even during her treatment at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, MD, rather than allowing herself to be the focus, she created a three-day festival around her own birthday called "Grateful Gail's Gala" where she celebrated and honored those caring for her: her friends in 5A. Family always came first for Gail, and no matter what she had going on in her life, she made time for her loved ones – especially her grandchildren, whether together or one-on-one. During the summers, time with her grandchildren was known as "Camp Grandy" and regardless of whether it was for an adventure or simply just spending time together – she always made it special, memorable, and most importantly, fun. Gail's life was filled with ups and downs; twists and turns – but no matter what, she sought to help those around her always see the good, see the light, and to believe in themselves and their dreams. After the tragic death of her grandson, Parker, she immediately sought to turn personal tragedy into a legacy of beauty and created "Parker Killian Gives Moore" – a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to inspiring young people to reach for their dreams and educational goals. Through this organization, she provided dozens of scholarships to students, beautified the world through various nature projects, and created a special place of memorial called "Parker's Trail" – an 1100-foot long raised boardwalk through protected wetlands in Warner Robins, GA. Her continuing vision is that Parker's light keeps shining bright. Gail is preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Nina, her husband William S. Heaton Sr., many cherished family members and friends, and most significantly, her beloved grandson Parker. She is survived by her son, William S. (Dana) Heaton Jr., her daughter Leah (Chris) Maas, her grandchildren Alec Ayers, Liam, Nate, and Sam Heaton, Daniel and Nicole Wiles, Kyle and Dylan Maas, her brother Edward Franklin (Myrna) Killian III, her niece Shari Powalie, her besties Becky Cox and Nita McCord, many dear friends, and her well-traveled kitty Midnight. A celebration of her life will be held beginning at 3:00 PM on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at her home, 1386 Seagull Lane, Prosperity, SC. As was her wish, it will include beach music, friends, family, and happy memories. In lieu of flowers, and at her request, donations may be made to Parker Killian Gives Moore in her name. Please donate online at https://parkerkillianmoore.com/donate/ or to 107 River Valley Trail, Kathleen, Georgia 31047. Rest easy, Bosslady. We love you treasure. Memories may be shared with Gail's family and friends here on her Tribute Wall. Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to assist the family.