Carla Sue Chestnut, 54, of Clifton Forge, Virginia, formerly of Hot Springs, passed away Thursday, September 11, 2025.

She was born April 6, 1971, the daughter of Carl Chestnut (Joy) and Suzanne Bonner Green (Willie) all of Hot Springs, Virginia.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ray and Helen Chestnut, William and Doris Bonner, and special Uncle, Larry Bonner.

She was a graduate of Bath County High School, Class of 1989 and played the clarinet in the Marching Band. In 1994, Carla also graduated from Dabney S. Lancaster Community College.

She lived in the area for most of her life, with several years spent in Orlando, FL and with YWAM in Nashville, TN.

She grew up attending Healing Springs Baptist Church, where she accepted Jesus as her Savior. Her love of Jesus led her to partner with Youth with a Mission (YWAM) where she traveled to Mexico, Belize, and Nashville, TN to share the salvation of Jesus Christ. It was her greatest joy to lead people to Christ. She was a member of Central United Methodist Church in Clifton Forge, VA. She was a diligent student of the Bible, and her favorite Bible verse was Jeremiah 23:23.

She loved her sweet tuxedo cat, Beastie; her favorite singer, George Michael, of whom she had a life-size poster, the Dallas Cowboys, and a good chat-n-chew with friends. She enjoyed attending Camp ACCOVAC and the Ingalls Overlook on Warm Springs Mountain. One of her fondest memories was going to Ingalls Airport with her grandfather, Bonner as a young child.

Carla was an incredibly talented artist and created many beautiful paintings and funny character art. Her favorites included The Looney Tunes, The Grinch, Stitch and other Disney characters. You can't forget her phone message greeting with Bubba Jolene! Carla loved a good laugh and could be very sarcastic.

Carla was grateful to have these special friends in her life: Guy and EJ Pierce, Gene and Karen Pierce, Kenneth and Holly Mackey, Joan Mackey, Helen Pettus, Doris Morgan, Janie Barnette, her YWAM family, and her caregiver, Carri Stilwell.

A Celebration of Her Life will be held 2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Central United Methodist Church in Clifton Forge, Virginia, with Reverend Samuel Chung and Pastor Guy Pierce officiating.

In lieu of flowers or those who would like to contribute to funeral expenses may do so at McLaughlin & Young Funeral Home.