Geneal Lavonne Heckman, beloved mother and sister, departed this life on her birthday, July 18, 2014, surrounded by her loved ones. Geneal was a native Texan, having been born in Milano, Texas. She truly loved people and spent her life in the service industry, starting with Playland Park in Houston, Texas. She also worked in the Coliseum in downtown Houston and the golf course and zoo in Hermann Park. She finished her career with Kettle restaurants after 25 years with them. Geneal was an avid reader and loved reading history books and mystery novels and could conquer any crossword puzzle. She was devoted to her family and loved them dearly until the very end. Geneal was predeceased by her mother, Mabel Louise Edwards and her stepfather, Robert Andrew Edwards. She is survived by her daughter, Debra Louise Heckman (husband Charles Syptak, Jr.) and her sister, Elizabeth Rose Wilkinson (husband John Wilkinson). Her kind, gentle nature was a blessing and she will be sorely missed.