Bessie Giesler Obituary

Bessie Mae Teague Giesler

April 12, 2026

PINEY FLATS - Bessie Mae Teague Giesler, a lifelong resident of Piney Flats, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, April 12, 2026, following two years of hospice care. She was 103 years old by her birth certificate, which was delayed in filing, but officially 104 years old by the Sullivan County Census and Ancestry Website.

She was the oldest lifelong member of Rocky Springs Baptist Church, where she faithfully taught youth classes and Vacation Bible School. She also taught youth classes at Deerlick Union Church. In her early years, she attended Rocky Springs School.

Bessie was a devoted farmer alongside her husband of seventy-three years and their four children. Together, they raised chickens, hogs, cows, and tobacco, while also tending a large garden. She canned and sold the fruits of their labor and was known for her strong work ethic and self-sufficiency.

She was a talented seamstress who sewed, quilted, and crocheted, passing those lifelong skills down to her granddaughter, Sheila and her adopted granddaughter, Jaylin. In the fall, she made apple butter in old brass kettles, proudly continuing and sharing that tradition. She even "certified" her grandchildren, Sheila and Robert, as "Master Expert Appalachian Apple Butter Makers."

Bessie enjoyed camping and trips to the beach with her family. She was also an avid coin collector and passed that passion on to her great-great-grandson, Jordan.

She was a member of the Sullivan County Rescue Squad alongside her daughter, Betty, her son, Kenneth and daughter-in-law, Ilene. Her legacy of helping others lives on through her great-great-grandchildren, Austin (Firefighter/ AEMT) and Alissa (EMTP).

Bessie also owned a local store, where she was well known in the community for selling produce, goods, and her handmade quilts, often quilting alongside her family as she worked.

In her final years, the kindness and love she gave to others were returned to her through the devoted care of her daughter, Carol, her granddaughter, Sheila, and the extraordinary hospice care team, who made it possible for her to remain at home.

She is survived by her daughter, Carol Overstreet of Bluff City; her special granddaughter and caregiver, Sheila Laughlin, along with family Randy Laughlin and Austin and Jordan Shuler of Piney Flats, who assisted in her care. She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Sheila (Randy) Laughlin of Piney Flats, Joedy (Amy) Bowman of Johnson City, adopted granddaughter Jaylin Lester of Bluff City, Pattie Stanley of Bluff City, Debbie Bowman and Gary of Bristol, Peggy (Mark) Glover of Bluff City, Robert (Kathie) Mensch of Butler, Chas (Emily) Mensch, and Moses (Christie) Rodgers of Kingsport, as well as numerous great-grandchildren, great-great- grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her husband, G.B. Giesler; her son, Kenneth Giesler; her daughters, Betty Mensch and Teresa Smith; and her parents, Paul and Blanche Teague.

The family will receive friends at Tetrick Funeral Home, 245 Main Street, Bluff City, Tennessee from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Thursday, April 16, 2026 with services to follow at 7:00 PM with Pastor Dwayne Locklear officiating.

Interment will be conducted at 10:30 AM on Friday, April 17, 2026 in the New Bethel Church Cemetery in Piney Flats, Tennessee. Pallbearers will be Randy Laughlin, Austin Shuler, Jordan Shuler, Shawn Davis, Robert Mensch and Justin Botts. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the cemetery at 10:20 AM on Friday.

Following the graveside service, the River of Life Church will provide lunch for family and friends.

Carol and Sheila would like to extend a very special "Thank You" to the family members that took the time during the past two years to help in her care, who visited her often, sometimes daily, bring her food, paint her fingernails, fix her hair, do puzzles with her, read the Bible with her and take her special little gifts. She loved the little things you would bring to her! It made her day with those visits. She remembered those who visited often; those loving memories she held dearly in her heart. A special thank you to you! You know who you are as you hold those special memories in your hearts too!

Words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting our website at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Home of Bluff City is honored to serve the Giesler family. Office phone: (423) 542-2232.