Melissa L. (Mahan) Hensley, 51 years old, of Knoxville, TN., passed away on November 26, 2021, following a brief illness. Melissa passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her children and family.

Melissa was born on June 20, 1970 to Steven and Delores Mahan in Bremerton, Washington. Melissa attended Karns High school where her lifelong relationships began with Missi Pickens Hibbert, Shannon Ritter Ware, Stephanie Mantooth Sims, and Dawn Flatford Carden who have remained loyal, loving best friends throughout these years. After Melissa graduated Karns High School in 1988, she went on to Tennessee Technical Community College where she obtained her Dental Assistant license. Melissa worked at several dentist offices, namely University General Dentistry where she was employed approximately 20 years. She met many great friends during her time in dentistry and treasured those relationships and the memories made. Most often Melissa worked with Dr. Andrew Young and valued him not only as her doctor, but even more so, as a good friend. More recently,
Melissa had begun caregiving for ailing individuals which she thoroughly enjoyed, it was in her nature to do so.

In 1989, Melissa met Michael Hensley in Maynardville, TN. through their parents who were all friends. They married and had Weston in 1990, she was so happy to be a mom and did great at it.
Weston was an always smiling, handsome blonde hair boy and was an only child until Colby arrived 11 years later in 2001, making his entrance with that red hair and perfect, big smile. She treasured her boys. She was a fun, loving, active mother who was as adventurous as they were. From taking them to skating rinks, ballparks, the lake, the beach, paintball fields, Melissa was a dedicated mother who made her children’s happiness a priority. Being 11 years apart, each one got to spend a lot of time with their mom individually, she always went out of her way to make them happy while having a good time. She loved her children with all her heart and was so proud of both. Melissa loved all children and was always the fun aunt. She played a big role in her nephews Javon and Xavier’s lives, taking them on many trips, adventures, and quick Pigeon Forge trips at the Resort. She loved her many nieces and nephews, friends’ kids, cousins, and she made sure they all knew it with her frequent hugs, smiles, laughter, visits, and support. They all sure loved their Melissa.

Melissa was a lover of all things outdoors. Her beautiful tan skin color gave that away. She loved animals, lake days, camping, the mountains, races, hanging out with her cousins and friends, Tennessee sports, cooking and sharing, and beach trips. Most recently going with her sister Laura to Myrtle Beach, SC in August where they took a quick flight to go where they felt closest to their parents on their mom’s birthday. Melissa took many beach trips with family and friends, creating everlasting memories. Melissa loved summer, the sun and water, and was always looking to spend a day at the pool. Any given nice day out, it would be typical to get an invitation to the pool, any
pool. Melissa loved her music; she was going to sing whether she knew the words or not. Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, and Journey were among some of her favorite and she saw them several times in concerts. Melissa also loved and found comfort in church hymnals, a favorite being “It is well with my Soul”.

Melissa adored her first grandson River (6 months old), and although their time together was cut short, she loved him with all her heart and cherished the time they spent together. She will always be
with him in his heart. River has his own personal beautiful Angel walking beside him now. She also loved spending time with her great nephews and nieces, Zayden, Sage, Zendaya, and Steven Jayce. Zayden would call her “Missa”, like Javon did. They could get away with anything with Missa, she sometimes even encouraged a little mischievous behavior for a good laugh.

Melissa loved her friends, friends who were family, and family so much. She loved talking on the phone with them, probably helping them through a rough time in their own life. She was always good for that. She was blessed with genuine love, adoration from all who knew her.

Melissa and Laura lost both parents in the last few years making their bond even stronger. They talked every day and Melissa always knew the best way to deal with her sister, calm her down when needed
and was always supportive and caring. Melissa was always optimistic and feared nothing. Laura would say “but would YOU do it?” Melissa would say, “well yeah”. They needed each other, and they always had each other. There was nothing that could break that bond. Laura loved her big sister and will miss her terribly while cherishing their shared memories. A sister is a forever friend.

Melissa was proceeded in death by parents Steve and Delores “Toot” Mahan, grandparents Cecil and Margery Hughes and Doug and Imogene Mahan, Uncle Gary Mahan, and Uncle Buddy Rogers. Cannot forget her old fur friends Sassy and Keystone. They and many, many others have welcomed Melissa home with wide open arms. She is at peace and home with them all. No more feeling bad.

Melissa is survived by and now an Angel watching over her son Weston (Amber) Hensley, Colby (Sydney) Hensley, grandson River, sister Laura Mahan, nephews Xavier (Jazzmin) Harper and Javon (Ashley) Harper, former husband Mike Hensley, former in laws Janice and Ed Hensley, Aunts Brenda Jacques, Sharon Rogers, Connie Mahan, Sharon Weiman, and Uncle John Mahan as well as many other special cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Services for Melissa will be held Saturday, December 4,2021, at 1pm at Beaver Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church 7225 Old Clinton Pike, Knoxville TN 37921. Following the service, there will be a receiving of friends in the fellowship hall at the church.