Claudia Hensley Hutsell

Claudia Hensley Hutsell born April 12, 1947, died April 8, 2023. Claudia passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family after a long battle with numerous health complications. Claudia spent her life lovingly devoted to her family and friends. She cherished all things beautiful and had an innate talent for Interior Design, loved to travel and was an incredible cook. Claudia worked as a receptionist for Dr. Bob Proffitt for several years and then graduated from Cosmetology School under the guidance of her mentor and life-long friend, Mike Everett. Claudia brought to life her creative expression as a hair stylist, make-up artist and most notably how she decorated her gorgeous home. Claudia’s children and grandchildren were her pride and joy and what she considered her most valued accomplishments. Claudia’s son Andy is a highly skilled architect in Maryville and daughter Melanie is an actress who spent three seasons on Saturday Night Live.

Whether someone knew Claudia for years or met her by chance, her infectious smile, sunny outlook and listening ear made everyone she interacted with feel seen, heard and loved unconditionally. She truly left this world a better and more beautiful place. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Steve Hutsell, son Andy (Kenlyn Foster) Hutsell, daughter Melanie (Fred Rapoport) Hutsell, grandkids Ellary Hutsell, Carly Rapoport, Leo Rapoport, Campbell Gillespie and Kelson Spence, brothers Dave (Debbie) Hensley, Bill (Kay) Hensley, Sister-in-law Gail Byrd and special friends Eva Anderson, Judith Gregory, Suzie Kitchens, Linda Malone, Joy Land Standsell and Sandy Nixon. Preceded [in death by parents] Claude and Jeanette Hensley, [in-laws] Tom and Bess Hutsell, Brother-in-law Bob (Helen) Hutsell.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at the Grandview Pavilion, 2316 Graves Rd, Maryville, TN 37803. In lieu of flowers, make a donation in Claudia’s name to The Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation https://www.helpfightra.org/donations/  or your favorite Charity. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com