She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ralph Marchell; her son, Jimmy Marchell; her father, Karl Hornig; her mother, Emilie Hornig; her sister, Johanna Hornig; and her brother, Karl Hornig.
Gisela was born on June 28, 1943, in Frankenthal, Germany, to Karl and Emilie Hornig. She met the love of her life, Ralph Marchell, and the two were married on October 31, 1959. Shortly after, Ralph brought Gisela to the United States, where they lived in several states during his service with the U.S. Army before settling in Bristol, Tennessee, to raise their family.
In 1972, Gisela became a licensed cosmetologist. She later returned to her alma mater in Hopewell, Virginia, as an instructor before going on to manage Lamarick’s in the Bristol Mall in 1975. She eventually became an independent cosmetologist, working in several beauty salons throughout her career. Gisela truly loved her work and took great joy in making others feel beautiful. She deeply valued her clients and coworkers, many of whom became dear friends.
When she wasn’t working, Gisela loved spending time with her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren brought her immeasurable joy.
Gisela had many hobbies, including cooking, canning, and gardening, especially tending to her beloved roses. She was talented at embroidery but most enjoyed crocheting and cross-stitching.
A woman of strong faith, Gisela was a devoted Baptist and attended services at both Bethelview and West Hills.
Left to celebrate her beautiful life are her daughters, Linda Leonard and Eva Marchell; her sons, John Marchell (Toni) and Ralph Marchell Jr.; her sister, Eva “Kitty” Ourso; her grandchildren, Stephanie Kunkowski (Josh), Morgan Cooper (TJ), Lauren Sakaniwa (Peter), Ashley Marchell, and Emilie Caudill; her in-laws, Onnie, Ronnie, John, and Verlin Marshall, and Ruth Hite; 11 great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will be received at East Lawn Funeral Home, 4997 Memorial Boulevard, Kingsport, Tennessee 37664, beginning at 12:00 PM in the chapel. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 PM, officiated by Pastor Johnny Gibson. Graveside committal will take place at 3:00 PM in the Garden of Everlasting Life I. A reception honoring Gisela’s life will be held at Port City Kingsport, 260 E. Center Street, Kingsport, Tennessee 37664, at 4:00 PM.
