Christine Coleman Calhoun

Christine Calhoun, the oldest child of Lokie Pauline Coleman-Shephard and Joe Coleman, was born on June 2, 1940, in Childersburg, Alabama. She was raised in Childersburg by her mother and stepfather, Frazier Shephard. She peacefully departed this life with dignity and grace at her home surrounded by her family on Monday, March 16, 2026 , after a long illness.

Education and Career

She graduated as the Valedictorian of Phyllis Wheatley High School in Childersburg in 1957.

Following graduation, she went to Durham, North Carolina, to attend the Lincoln Hospital School of Nursing, There she earned a Registered Nurse certification in 1961.

Then she received her Bachelor of Science degree from St. Joseph’s College in Maine.

Later she earned a Masters Degree in Healthcare Administration from Central Michigan University in Mt Pleasant, Michigan.

Christine began her nursing career in Washington, D.C., at George Washington Hospital in 1961 as a Staff nurse, eventually spending over 35 years as a Registered Nurse at Washington Hospital Center. She rose through the ranks, becoming the Head Nurse in 1978 of the ENT clinic before retiring for health reasons.

Family Life

Christine met Otha Calhoun in 1962, and they married on October 15, 1963. They became the loving and caring parents of two sons, Duane and David Calhoun.

They were devoted partners who celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary before her passing.

Christine enjoyed a vibrant family life, attending family reunions, graduations, weddings, and community gatherings. She could also be found at her grandkids' musical concerts or science fairs.

Although she did not fly or travel by boat, she loved taking to the road, often driving back to Alabama with her husband and children two or three times a year. One year, they even took an RV across the country to California, stopping in Birmingham, Alabama, to pick up her mother.

She worked hard to ensure her sons attended church and went on to college. She enjoyed watching sports with her family, including the Washington Redskins and Georgetown Hoya basketball. After retirement, she and Otha often walked together in their neighborhood to maintain their health.

She filled the home with Southern Gospel music while playing the piano or records.

In her later years, she actively supported her two sons' entrepreneurial endeavors as their bookkeeper and business advisor.

Faith and Community

She was baptized at a young age and joined Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Childersburg, Alabama. There, she actively served as an usher and as the minister of music for both the youth and adult choirs. Her musical ministry also extended to other churches in Talladega and Shelby Counties.

Later, she moved to Washington, D.C., where she joined Bethesda Baptist Church on October 10, 1965. She was a faithful and highly active member at Bethesda, contributing to various ministries including the Nursery, Health & Wellness, BTU, Missionary Society, and the Nurse Corps.

Ms. Calhoun was also involved in her community, volunteering and assisting with her sons' little league teams. She was a part of the PTA, Kingswood Civic community and the New Carrollton Boys & Girls Club. She was also in professional organizations American Nurses Association, DC Nurses Association and Lincoln nurse alumni Association.

A Life of Grace

Christine was bedridden for the last three years of her life. Despite being taken off medication by doctors, she fought the disease for over three years, sustained by the constant care and love of her family, particularly her husband Otha.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Otha Calhoun; her two sons, Duane (Millicent) and David; nine grandchildren (Khannia, Danielle, Camille, Chenise, Caya, Ashley, David Jr, Tanee, and Anthony); two sisters (Janice of Childersburg, AL) and (Lois of Washington, DC) nephews and nieces; and a number of cousins, extended family members, and friends.

Christine was a loving daughter, an unselfish sister, a devoted wife, a loving and caring mother, aunt, grandmother, and friend. She was an inspiration to her family and to all who knew her.