Celia "Chris" Christine Hensley

Celia Christine Hensley – Blountville, TN

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.” Proverbs 31:10

Celia Christine Hensley, lovingly known as “Chris”, age 91 of Blountville, TN was called home to Heaven by her Savior on Thursday, February 27, 2025, as she held hands one last time with the love of her life, Clint Hensley, her husband of 68 years.

Chris had the gift of being able to quickly make everyone she met feel loved and nurtured. Even in her final days she continued to be a light for Jesus as she encouraged everyone around her. She could always be found serving the Lord faithfully by her husband Clint’s side.

She was a wonderful pastor’s wife to the people at Andrew Memorial Baptist Church in Kingsport, TN where she played the piano for many years.

Chris and Clint’s love for one another was so beautiful as they never lost their spark for one another.

She was a wonderful Wife, Mom, Nanny, mother-in-law, sister, aunt, and friend. She was simply a joy to be around.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Kathy Barger Sanders, that she so deeply cherished and missed every day. Her precious mother, Ruth C. Peters, her three younger brothers, Dick, Rod, and Ronnie Peters, and her two beloved sisters, Kadie Castle and Bell Leonard.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her grandson, Brent Barger and wife, Tracha, two great grandchildren, Dalton Fleenor and Payton Barger, son-in-law, Charles Sanders, two sisters, Pat Hughes and husband, Richard, and Betty Self and husband, Steve, along with several nieces and nephews, and finally her faithful little dog and protector, Sophie.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Monday, March 3, 2025, at the Andrew Memorial Baptist Church, 5012 Andrew Street, Kingsport, TN. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m., in the sanctuary of the church with Pastor Johnny Gibson, Brother Roy Leedy, and Pastor Randy McMillion officiating. The McMurray Brothers will provide the music.

Burial will follow at the Walnut Chapel Church Cemetery, East Carter’s Valley, Gate City, VA. 

Brian Salmons, Scott Salmons, Dalton Fleenor, Marvin Salyers, Hobart Lewis, Shannon Ball, and Jerry Hensley will serve as pallbearers.

Her family would like to express their gratitude to her wonderful nurses, Rachel and Latosha with Gentiva Hospice for providing loving care and support.

An online guest register is available for the Hensley family at www.gatecityfunerals.com.

Gate City Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Celia Christine “Chris” Hensley.