Christine Kathleen Onkst

November 17, 1940 - September 16, 2026

Christine Kathleen Onkst, affectionately referred to as “Tiny,” departed this life on September 16, 2026.

A Knoxville native, Christine spent many years in California before returning to Tennessee and settling in Nashville, where she would go on to work caring for countless children over her nearly fifty-year career. Ms. Christine, as she was well-known, loved all children, but she dedicated her life to caring for babies. She was able to give so many parents comfort when they left their children with her, always knowing their babies were safe and loved.

More than anything, Christine loved her family. She was always there and never missed a party, a play, a concert, or game. If a loved-one was sick, she was by their side, no questions asked. She loved loudly and faithfully.

A three-time cancer survivor, Christine fought a courageous battle over the last six years with Alzheimer’s Disease. Through even the most difficult times, one thing remained constant, the love she showed to everyone around her.

Christine was preceded in death by her husband and soulmate, Daniel Ray Onkst, Sr. Dan was the love of her life. Together since childhood, they built a life rooted in love, friendship, and devotion to their family. Although Christine survived him by over 30 years, her heart was always with Dan.

Christine was also preceded in death by her parents, Charles Dockery and Gertrude Henderson; her brother, William Dockery; her daughter-in-law, Juanita Onkst; and her grandson, Joseph Onkst.

She is survived by her sister, Minnie Davis; her children, Daniel (Danielle) Onkst, Jr., Theresa Tomlin, and Gerald (Janine) Onkst; her grandchildren, Daniel (Abby) Onkst, III, Eva (Eric) Noss, Christy Zepeda, James-Henry Tomlin, Jeremy Tomlin, and Kelly Onkst; her seven great-grandchildren, Adalynn, Ella, Angelina, Ava, Max, Nora and Victor; and her great-great-granddaughter, Iris.

Christine’s favorite song was always “You Are My Sunshine,” and there could not be a more fitting song for a woman who truly was a ray of sunshine in the lives of so many. She brought warmth, comfort, humor, and love wherever she went.

Memorial services for Christine will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association through the family’s Alzheimer’s Walk Team, Tiny’s Sunshine Troop. The walk will be held on November 14, 2026, at 8:00 AM at Centennial Park in Nashville, TN. Anyone who would like to honor Christine by joining the family team, is welcomed. Donations may also be made to The Salvation Army, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, or Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

The family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the many care centers, healthcare professionals, friends and family members who helped care for Christine throughout the years. Your compassion, kindness, time, and love brought comfort to her and our family, and we will forever be grateful.

Rest peacefully, Tiny. We love you more than we could ever say, and we will miss you forever. We were lucky to have you as our Mom, Grandma, and Gigi.

You are our sunshine, our only sunshine.

- Tiny’s Sunshine Troop/Alzheimer’s Walk Link

- Donate to Tiny’s Sunshine Troop/Alzheimer's Walk Link

- The Salvation Army Donation Link

- St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital Online Donation Link

- Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Donation Link