GRACIE MARIE TANKERSLEY WALLEN, 94, of Kingsport, TN, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, December 28, 2023. Gracie was born in Blackwater, VA on March 27, 1929, to her loving parents, Henry L. and Minnie Tankersley. She married the love of her life, Moses Richard (Mitchell) Wallen. Gracie and Mitchell spent their lives residing in Blackwater and Kingsport, raising their five children. Later in life, Gracie worked at Holston Valley Hospital for 20 plus years.

In addition to her husband, Gracie was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Angela Wallen; daughter-in-law, Rita Wallen; and seven siblings.

Gracie is survived by her children, Gary (Margaret) Wallen, Sharon (Gary) Vicars, Richard Wallen, Kathy (Billy) Walton and Elaine (Bill) Erwin; grandchildren, Kristi Vicars Beverly, Melissa Walton, Heather Wallen and Kim Vicars Dunlap; great-grandchildren, Jacob Beverly, Willliam Beverly, Annette Beverly, Noah Wallen, Sarah Wallen, Tamara Collins, Jackson Dunlap and Ava Dunlap; great-grandchildren, Marley, Damari, Morgan and James; several loving nieces and nephews; a very special sister-in-law, Wanda Osborne; and longtime friend, Greg Wheat.

Gracie was saved at an early age and remained faithful to her Lord throughout her life. She was a faithful member of West View Primitive Baptist Church. During her illness, she deeply enjoyed her many visits from the ministers, chaplains and singers who came to her bedside for prayers and worship. Gracie held a deep love for her children, grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren. Even at 94, she never missed an opportunity to play, passing balloons with the little ones. Some called her Mom, and some called her Mamaw. She said those were the best of times. She was very pleased to boast five generations and had a personal, loving relationship with each one of them.

-Written by the family