Berchie L. Isenberg Watlington Larkins

Berchie L. Isenberg Watlington Larkins, 89, of Kingsport, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Berchie was born on August 23, 1937, to the late William Byron and Hazel Elizabeth Roller Isenberg. Born and raised in the Fordtown community, she attended Miller Perry Elementary and was a 1956 graduate of Holston Institute. Berchie attended Bridgewater College for one year in 1957. She would go on to earn her degree as an LPN through Kingsport School of Nursing in 1959. Aside from healthcare, Berchie was led by the Lord to attend Graham Bible School and earned a degree in pastoral ministries from Baptist Seminary Extension Program.

Berchie loved helping and caring for others; this was made evident by her countless years of work in nursing. She worked for NHC of Johnson City, formerly Colonial Hill Nursing Home, for 27 years, where she also served as a Sunday school director for over 20 years. She worked for Christian Village for 7 years and several other agencies including home health care. She frequently volunteered with the Red Cross, Haven of Mercy, and Hospice.

Traveling brought her much joy, she loved to visit her relatives across the U.S. She also took a special interest in genealogy research and was the known storyteller of the family.

It was no secret that Berchie loved the Lord; she greatly enjoyed attending church and was a devoted fan of gospel music.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Dr. Artie and Lettie Hunt Isenberg; maternal grandparents, Jake and Alice Slaughter Roller; granddaughter, Aja Cooper; nephew, Greg Isenberg and great-nephew, Jonathan Sams.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Bobby Ray Watlington (Rhonda), Anna Maria Lee (Laurence “Larry”), Susie A. Cooper and Janet Leigh Anderson (Daryl); brother, Lowell Isenberg (Linda); sister, Doris Sams (Jim); 13 grandchildren; Greg Watlington, Sarah Dykes, Rachel Watlington, Bryon Biggs, Michelle Cassell, Jessica Thomas, Melissa Anderson, Caleb Anderson, Tara Lee, Daniel Lee, Natosha Cooper-Woods, Darak Cooper and Brandi Moyers; 21 great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home and Memorial Park – Blountville. A funeral service will follow at 7:00pm officiated by Pastor Marvin Tolley. Graveside services will take place on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 10:00am at Hamlett-Dobson Memorial Park in the Garden of Peace.

Pallbearers will be Karl Good, Greg Watlington, Jairus Moyers, Wes Cassell, Nick Watlington, Caleb Anderson, Daniel Lee, and Justin Dykes. Honorary pallbearers will be Billy Porter, Keith Culler, Larry Lee, Ronnie Hale, Fred Feathers and Geraud Moyers.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Amedisys Hospice for their care and kindness and a special thank you to Hallie Butts, her personal caregiver and friend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse in honor of Berchie and her calling to help others.