Christine Williston Rhodes of San Antonio, Texas passed away on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the age of 76. She was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 30, 1949. Christine was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, William Irvan (Bill) Rhodes, Jr., parents Christopher Lincoln Williston IV and Jane (Leucht) Williston, and sister Jayne Ann (Williston) Miller.
Shortly after birth, Christine and her family moved to Austin, Texas where she graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in 1967. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Texas Tech University in 1971 and went on to teach first grade at Robert E. Lee Elementary in Austin. On March 25, 1972, Christine and Bill were married at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Austin and enjoyed their early years together in “good, old Austin.”
In 1977, the family relocated to San Antonio. Christine simultaneously taught school while completing her Master’s degree in Special Education from The University of Texas at San Antonio. She and Bill welcomed their son, William Irvan (Will) Rhodes III, in 1978, followed by their daughter, Anne Williston Rhodes (Walkup), in 1980. Christine made a home welcome to countless friends and took an active role in her children’s activities and education.
In the fall of 1987, Christine returned to her lifelong passion for teaching as a kindergarten teacher at Hidden Forest Elementary in the Northeast Independent School District. She served there with dedication until her retirement in 2010. Students, parents, and colleagues fondly remember Mrs. Rhodes as a patient, skilled, and compassionate educator.
During retirement, Christine remained active in her church and community, enjoyed playing bridge and Mahjong, and treasured time spent with her dear friends. She was an avid fan of the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
Christine’s greatest joy was her family: her son Will, daughter-in-law Dana, and granddaughter Caroline; and her daughter Anne, son-in-law Steve Walkup, grandsons John and James and granddaughter Alice. She is remembered as a nurturing and devoted mom and a playful, eager Gigi.
Christine is survived by her children, grandchildren, brother Christopher (Chris) Lincoln Williston V and his wife Janice of Horseshoe Bay, Texas; brother-in-law Bud Rhodes and his wife Sue of Wimberley, Texas; brother-in-law David Miller and wife Katherine of Horseshoe Bay, Texas; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Pallbearers will include David Miller, Bud Rhodes, and dearest friends Linda and Frank Bush, Sara and Bruce Bealor and Patty and Dave Johns.
A Visitation will be at Porter Loring North on Friday, August 15 from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m., followed by a Vigil Prayer Service and Rosary. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Saturday, August 16 at 9:00 a.m., followed by interment at Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests donations be made to Breakthrough T1D.
