Christine B. Christian Warren

Our beloved Mama, wife, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, great aunt, great-great aunt, and friend Christine B. Christian entered God’s Kingdom on June 30, 2023, after a long battle with lung cancer.

Born to Genie and Mary Bobo, May 5, 1938, in Senatobia, Mississippi, Mama described her childhood as one full of work and responsibility that left little time for childish play. As the second youngest of eight children, Mama shared that she had many chores to do because her older siblings had already moved out of the home. Mama recalled having to plow the fields with mules, and churn butter in the hot Mississippi sun. She said, “I was my Mama’s boy.” When she was 3 years old, she watched her sister, who had developmental disabilities, while her mother worked in the cotton fields. She described the anxiety she felt worrying about her sister getting lost in the surrounding countryside because her sister wandered off at times. Mama said she would have to go and find her. It was a huge responsibility for her, being only a baby herself.

Mama was a loyal servant to God, first and foremost. She loved the church and loved sharing the love and warmth of our savior, Jesus Christ, with as many people as possible. Secondly, she loved being a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. In addition, she loved being a nurturing person to her community and all that needed her.

As a rule, anyone that came to visit Mama’s house would always be warmly welcomed and fed delicious southern “soul” food. She was well-known for macaroni and cheese, cornbread dressing, 7up pound cakes, and greens, among other classic “soul” food dishes.

During the 70's, 80's, and early 90's, Mama managed her brother's restaurant and convivence store called the "Fat Burger Deli." The Fat Burger Deli was located in the Central District of Seattle, near 23rd and Jackson. Many people remember Mama working at the store, serving those memorable "hot link" hamburgers and hand-cut French fries.

Mama never met a stranger. Anyone that crossed her path immediately felt loved and was instantly adopted as one of her children. Mama realized early in life that the world lacked love, and you can never give too much love. She showed her love to others on so many levels through her warm smile, home cooked meals, a shoulder to cry on, and words of Godly wisdom. Mama created that “safe space” with no judgement and unconditional love that so many people needed, not just her family, but her community as well.

Mama was courageous and did not hesitate to take on challenges to meet the needs of her family. She raised her niece’s, her children, and her great grandson. In fact, there was no child in the family that did not feel the effects of her guiding hand.

As much as my Mama loved her family, she had a passion for making the world a better place for them. As a young woman in the 1960’s, her humanitarian efforts went into full- effect working as a civil rights activist. She marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther-King and worked with Jesse Jackson in the Rainbow Push-Coalition in Chicago. In 1968, she and others made history through aggressive campaigning that allowed Richard Gordan Hatcher to become first Black mayor of Gary, Indiana.

She served as an active representative of The American Heart Association and served as a voter coordinator during political elections, and as a “Precinct Woman.” Mama shared being a “Precinct Woman” was an important role during an era that had no electronic votes. Her job was to make sure each vote was processed by hand. Voting was important to Mama because she lived during a time that Black Americans had to fight for the right to vote. Mama would always ask me during election season, “Did you get your ballot baby?” and remind me “Don’t forget to vote!”

Mama, a remarkable woman beloved by all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy filled with love, warmth, and timeless wisdom.

Mama was well-known for her kind-hearted spirit, boundless generosity, and the unparalleled empathy she extended to all people from all walks of life. Her dedication to serving others was an inspiration to everyone around her, a testament to her magnanimous soul.

As a beacon of resilience and strength, Mama's journey through life was a testament to her steely resolve and inspirational spirit. Her warm-hearted nature coupled with her wisdom made her the matriarch of our family and community.

Mama leaves behind her devoted daughters, La’Keshia Christian-Watkins and Jeatonica Christian-Warren, her spouse John Warren, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Mama joins her deceased daughter, Evelyn Faye Christian, in God's Kingdom in Heaven.

We were not just her daughters, but also her dearest loves, continuous sources of delight, and lifelong confidantes. Mama's indomitable spirit, warmth, and love will always shine brightly in our hearts and memories and will continue to inspire us both in all the days to come.

Mama's life was a tapestry of love, service, and philanthropy, her memory a melody that will forever echo in our hearts. Her departure leaves behind a void that only God can fulfill. As Mama passes into eternity, we remember her with love, admiration, and everlasting gratitude for the innumerable ways she touched our lives and the world.

“28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”

-Proverbs 31: 28-31

May her soul rest in peace as her life's Godly example continues to inspire us all.