Chris Hennessy

Christy Layne Hennessy, “Chris,” of Little Elm, TX, passed away on January 2, 2024. Chris was born 0n September 22, 1970, to Frank Durland and Linda Lewis in Salem, OR. Although born in Oregon, Chris considered herself a Texan, having moved to Texas as “quick as she could.” Her sense of adventure aligned well with the spirit of Texas. Chris loved her dog, Scruffles, as well as horses and the outdoors. She enjoyed photography, painting, fishing and hunting, writing poetry, and cooking and baking for friends and family. Her Texas wild boar chili was exceptional, and her homemade banana bread was a delicious holiday treat. Chris cared for people through an open ear and compassionate heart, creating many strong friendships while becoming a Texas Hold’em champion.

Chris spent over 25 years in the golf industry as a national sales and corporate events manager. In 2010 she co-founded Leadership Call. Her passion for operations, and program and workshop creation focusing on leadership development resulted in rapid growth of the company, including thousands of clients in 40 countries.

Some of Chris’ volunteer and community activities include “Power of a Dream'' Tournament Committee for the FUTURES Golf Tour, American Diabetes Association Fundraiser Cycling Team Captain, and Captain Hope’s “Coats for Kids.” She brought joy to people by providing candid and action photography for corporate celebrity events and organizations such as The Byron Nelson, Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Stars, Dallas Mavericks, NFL Refs Association, and the American Heart Association.

Chris is survived by her son, Christian; husband, Ed; father, Frank Durland, and his wife Paula. She also leaves behind her sister Debbie Massey and brother-in-law, Paul, and sister Melody Durland; nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; in-laws Ed and Shirley Hennessy; sisters-in-law Kathy Hennessy and partner Colleen McBride, and Beth Hennessy and her spouse, Kate Mullen; and Chris’ extended family. She is predeceased by her mother, Linda Lewis, and her sister Tabitha Lyon and son, Brandon. She will be greatly missed by her wide circle of friends and business clients, who knew her as a source of warmth, empathy and humor.

A celebration of life is planned for January 26th at 10:00 a.m. at the Stonebriar Funeral Home in Frisco, TX. In lieu of flowers, donations in Chris’ name can be made to Ranch Hands Rescue Counseling Center @ranchhandsrescue.org .