Mary Virginia Christopher

Mary was born in Havana, Florida and moved to Jacksonville in her youth where she remained for the rest of her life. She attended Andrew Jackson High School where she was a member of the Pepperette school spirit team. She married her high school sweetheart, John Robert “Bob” Christopher.

Mary was a devoted wife and mother. She was greatly cherished by her husband, children, grand-children and great grand-children. Mary enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She enjoyed fishing and the great outdoors. Some of her favorite vacations were spent with large groups of family members at the lake or in the mountains with family and church friends. Mary hosted multi-generational family gatherings in her home on Christmas Eve for more than 60 years.

Mary was a devout Christian and was active in her church where through the years she worked at Bible School, helped plan banquets and other fun events, taught in WMU, sang in the choir, and taught ladies Sunday school at both Lake Forest and Southpoint Baptist Church for more than 50 years. She also served as the Church Secretary at Southpoint for several years.

Mary was a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees union where she earned a Gold Card for 50 years of service working wardrobe for stage shows that came through town.

Mary is preceded in death by her mother, Addie Virginia Bowen and father, George Ira Atkinson.

She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 74 years, Bob Christopher; her brother George Earl Atkinson; her sister, Linda Frigo; her daughters, Debbie Williams (Wayne), and Sharon Anderson; her sons, Reggie, Freddie (Susie), and Timmy; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; as well as several cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

A visitation will occur Thursday, June 22, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. A funeral service for Mary will be held Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 11:00 AM in Southpoint Baptist Church, 3335 Tiger Hole Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32216. Following the funeral, a committal service will take place at Greenlawn Cemetery, 4300 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mary’s honor to: Southpoint Baptist Church, 3335 Tiger Hole Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32216 or Community Hospice and Palliative Care, 4266 Sunbeam Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32257.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GreenlawnJacksonville.com for the Christopher family.