Gracie Wallen Obituary

KINGSPORT - Grace Marie Tankersley Wallen, 94, of Kingsport, TN, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, December 28, 2023. Gracie was a very loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother.

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. She is survived by her grandchildren, Kristi Vicars Beverly, Melissa Walton, Heather Wallen and Kim Vicars Dunlap. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren, Jacob Beverly, Willliam Beverly, Annette Beverly, Noah Wallen, Sarah Wallen, Tamara Collins, Jackson Dunlap and Ava Dunlap; four great-grandchildren, Marley, Damari, Morgan and James. Gracie also leaves behind 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. The visits through this past year lifted her up and brought much joy, peace and comfort.

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.

The family would like to express a deep gratitude to her caregivers, Brittany (aka Sandy), Barbara (also her niece), Tammy and Karen for their dedication and loving care. The family also thanks Amedisys Hospice for their attentive care to Gracie, as well as their support for her family. We will never forget how all of her caregivers made her feel so loved and special every day.

The family will receive friends from 5 until 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 30 at West View Primitive Baptist Church, 1040 Riverside Avenue in Kingsport, TN. A visitation will also be held from 1 until 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 31 at Robinette Funeral Home in Blackwater, VA. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Elder Burnice Sybert and Elder Wayne Baker officiating. Singing will be provided by Zula McCullough and Kim Robinette. Graveside services will follow in the Flower Gap Cemetery in Blackwater, VA. Pallbearers will be family and friends.

Online condolences may be viewed or sent by visiting our website, www.RobinetteFuneralHome.com. Robinette Funeral Home of Blackwater is serving the Wallen family.