Christine Walters

Christine “Miss Chris” Walters was born April 8, 1928 to Mr. & Mrs. Thomas B.  (Henrietta) Weekley-Golliday, in Charleston, MS. She was the eldest of 12 children and her siblings affectionately called her “Sister”-some still do. Her sister Gereldyne takes pride in being named by Christine. Christine received Christ at an early age and attended both Little Hubbard MBC & St. James AME. She attended High School at Campbell College in Jackson, MS and soon thereafter trekked north and settled in East Chicago, IN.

She firmly rooted herself in the Northwest Indiana community, first establishing gainful employment as a Ward Clerk at St. Catherine’s, where she ultimately retired after 35yrs of dedicated service. Christine was an Eastern Star, “Queen of the Nile” (Gary IN.). She had a love for politics and was active in her community, serving as a member on the Ophelia Steen Board, Maywood Neighborhood Action Council, Neighborhood Crime Watch, NAACP, Northwest Indiana Brownfield, Mayor’s Housing Task Force, North Light Chapter, Calumet Project, Worthy Council of White Rose Court and at one time served as Coordinator of the Empowerment Zone, and was involved in many other local and state efforts. Needless to say, she was baffled by the lack of political activism which is now commonplace. She led by example: she invited all of her grandchildren to Hammond’s Annual MLK March and even led other youth who marched. Just recently, she laughed as she shared the story of a group of young children who mistakenly chanted “We want chopped steak!”

She has been a member of St. Luke A.M.E Church (East Chicago, IN) for well over 65 years, where she served as a Teacher, as well as President of the Lay Association for several years. Until she was no longer able, she participated in church services via an established hotline. According to Pastor Sanders, “Church did not start until Chris was on the line”. She was known for her honesty and sense of humor; jokingly, yet seriously, encouraging young women ‘to cover their tails and not let the funk out’. Her family will remember plucking ripe green tomatoes from her garden and frying them up. Her homemade Ice Cream was a big hit and when something tripped her out, she hit us with her famous phrase…“oh boy!”. She and her friend Mary were trailblazers, indeed: they were first to start virtual Wheel of Fortune watch parties!

She is preceded in death by her loving parents: Thomas [Henrietta-Weekley] Golliday; Her siblings: Thomas B. Golliday, Jr., Elbert Golliday, Dennis Golliday, M.J. Golliday, George Golliday, Dennis Golliday, J.C. Golliday and James Wille Golliday.     

She is survived by the smiles and precious memories of those she has left behind, three sisters: Gereldyne (James) Hogan, Minnie Edmond, Hattie Griffin; one brother James Lee-Maurice (Kathy) Golliday; two sons: Willie (Debra) Barlow & Eric (Brandy) Walters; 10 grandchildren: Tenisha “Shay” Fennie, Tenita “Apple” (Keith) Buttrom, Brandon Barlow, Dashauna Wilburn, Chantea Walters, Eric Walters Jr. , Jelletta (Marcus) Trotter, Donovan Scott, Javonte Walters, TaShawnte’ Darden. 28 great-Grandchildren: Sky Alexander, Bronze Tyler “Baby Brother” Buttrom, Egypt Rettew, Mariah Darden, Tamya Barlow, Mar’Jae Trotter, Bri’Lynn Whitelow, McKynzee Darden, Mila Trotter, Ashton Darden, Miguel Scott, Shanya Scott, Nehemiah Scott, Paytin Scott, Kylie Scott, Heaven Scott, Harmony Scott, Janay Scott, Donovan Scott Jr. , Tavion Scott & Breyon Scott and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and girlfriends, who are bound to see her again!

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