Christine Schlennstedt Harness
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Christine Schlennstedt Harness
October 17, 2025
Christine Schlennstedt Harness, 87, passed into the loving arms of her Savior on October 17, 2025. She was married to her husband Ralph Harness for 69 years. Other survivors include her children Jacquelyn (Greg Bailey), Vicke (Mike Pyles), Colletta or KK (Steve Moore), and Scott (Tina Irwin). She also leaves behind 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Christine was born in Westhoff, Texas, and lived in San Antonio until she moved to Tennessee in 1958. She made her home in Knoxville where she raised a loving family, pursued a fulfilling teaching career, and was a dedicated charter member of Grac e Lutheran Church for over 65 years.
Christine pursued higher education and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Tennessee in 1972. She later earned her master’s degree from Lincoln Memorial University. Christine taught for 32 years at Gresham Middle School in the Fountain City community. Given that art was a required course and “Mrs. Harness” was the only art teacher, she taught every single student who attended Gresham during her career. Christine was a 25-year member of the education sorority Alpha Delta Kappa (ADK) – Rho chapter. Additionally, her dedication to the art profession earned her numerous awards including Tennessee Middle School Art Teacher of the Year and Tennessee Art Educator of the Year.
After retirement in 2003, Christine enjoyed spending time with family and friends and remained active in her church where her weekly routine included a women’s bible study group. She also remained active in the art community where she enjoyed weekly watercolor classes and served in numerous leadership roles such as the Director of the Scholastic Art Show for East Tennessee Schools. Christine’s impact on the art community and art education will certainly not be forgotten. You could also count on Christine cheering on the Vols as her “blood runneth orange.” A fun fact (and evidence of her humble nature) is that she worked with Pat Head Summit to design the logo for the Lady Vols and was recognized for this accomplishment by illustrator Charlie Daniel in the Knoxville News Sentinel.
The family will be receiving friends from 2:00 – 4:00 pm at Grace Lutheran Church (9076 Middlebrook Pike) on Saturday, October 25, 2025. A service will follow at 4:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Oak Ridge Art Center or to Grace Lutheran Church of Knoxville.
