Christine Elizabeth Bright

On July 26, 2025, with her family by her side, Christine Elizabeth Bright was peacefully called home to glory. Born on January 10, 1981, Christine’s early years were shaped by the loving care of her foster mother, Valerie Griffin, who cared for her for five formative years. Valerie was more than a guardian—she was a steady presence who nurtured Chrissy’s bright imagination and gentle heart. When it came time for Christine to be adopted, Valerie made the deeply personal decision to entrust her to James and Maryann Donovan, a couple whose warmth, strength, and sense of family reflected everything she dreamed of for Chrissy’s future.

James and Maryann welcomed Christine into their home with open arms, raising her as their youngest daughter alongside their older daughter, Susan. Their home was filled with love, encouragement, and a deep commitment to one another—giving Chrissy the foundation she needed to thrive. Affectionately known as “Chrissy,” she remained bright, imaginative, and full of heart from the very beginning.

Chrissy grew up in Florida, where her creativity, curiosity, and drive were clear from a young age. She had a strong love for learning that stayed with her throughout her life. After graduating from Bishop Kenny High School, she earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of North Florida. Years later, while bravely battling stage 4 breast cancer, she completed her master’s degree through Arizona State University. Her strength and determination during that time were a true reflection of the resilience and courage she carried throughout her life.

In her professional life, Chrissy found her purpose as a behavioral technician, working with children with autism. She had a natural way with kids—gentle, patient, and endlessly compassionate. Helping others wasn’t just part of her job; it was who she was. She poured her heart into her work, and the children and families she supported knew they were genuinely loved.

On April 28, 2011, Chrissy married the love of her life, Kevin Bright. Together they built a life centered on love, laughter, faith, and family. Through every joy and every hardship, Kevin stood faithfully by her side. Their bond was a quiet, steady presence in her life—a true partnership in every sense of the word. But without question, Chrissy’s greatest joy came from being a mother. She was the proud mom of seven beautiful children: Austin Hanes, Daniel Donovan, Brandon Donovan, Elizabeth Bright, Abigail Bright, Liam Bright, and Jaxson Bright. They were her whole world. She gave them everything she had—her time, her strength, her love, her wisdom. Whether she was helping with homework, watching Hallmark Christmas movie marathons, or spending a day at the beach, Chrissy made everyday moments feel magical. The beach was her happy place, especially when shared with her kids—building sandcastles, collecting seashells, or just watching her kids play and have fun.

Chrissy lived with quiet strength and deep grace. She had a tender spirit, a sharp mind, and a beautiful resilience that carried her through even the hardest seasons. She touched countless lives with her kindness, her humor, and her unwavering devotion to those she loved. Christine’s spirit will forever live in her loving husband, Kevin Bright; her children, Austin, Daniel, Brandon, Elizabeth, Abigail, Liam, and Jaxson; her parents, James and Maryann Donovan; her sister, Susan; and by her extended family: Valerie Griffin, Michael Griffin, Nikita Hyman, Patsy Bright, Larry Waggy, Tina Miller, Darrah Miller, Gary Bright, Caroline Bright, friends, and coworkers who were blessed to know her.

Her family would like to thank everyone for the love, support, and prayers during this time. Chrissy’s life was a gift, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A visitation for Christine will be held Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Legacy Lodge, 4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 11:00 AM, 4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207. A committal service will occur Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, Fl 32207.