Mrs. Carlton Nadell Elston Heard began life's journey on November 19, 1942 to the parentage of Mr. Cleo Elston and Mrs. Edith Elston in Calhoun County, Alabama.

She was baptized at an early age. Carlton was a loving mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and great grandmother. She touched the lives of so many people in the community and was affectionately known as "Mama Heard". She received her education at Calhoun County Training School in Hobson City, Alabama.

On Thursday, June 24, 2021, Carlton answered the Master's call. She was surrounded by her family in the comfort of her home in Anniston, Alabama.

She was preceded in death by: her parents, Cleo Elston and Edith Elston; her husband, Samuel Heard, Sr; her daughter, Jennie Nadell Heard Newman; her siblings, Lester Elston, Lee Ross Elston and Franklin Elston. her grandchildren, Davia, Starcia and Carlton Terrell.

Carlton leaves to cherish: ; her children, TiaJuana Elston, Kay (Quentin) Long, Samantha (Ira) Dent, Samuel Heard, Jr., and LaSharn Heard; her goddaughter, Tianisha Elston; her siblings, Cleothus Smith, Vanessa McCollough, Dr. Deborah (Johnny) Stanfield and Larry (Stephanie) Elston; her grandchildren, Sylvie Elston, Tyrell Elston, Whitney Tillman, Quentin Long, Jr., Kasey Long, Terence Long, David Heard, Andre Lee, Jeremy Dent, Alivia Dent, Clay Dent, Demetrius Edmondson, Samuel Middleton, Brittney Battle and Brenton Heard; twenty-six great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews; and a very dear friend, Sarina Elston.