Mary Ella Mildred Christopher

“For I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.” Philippians 4:13

Mary Ella Mildred Christopher was born on June 11, 1922 to Charlton and Mary Lou Reese of Lexington, South Carolina and died at her home in Buford, Georgia on Friday April 13, 2018. She was an exemplar of a Godly woman that demonstrated unconditional love. Her daily walk demonstrated her grace and strength in character with her family and everyone she met.

Mary Christopher utilized her associates degree to work for AT&T. When World War II began she enlisted into the United States Marine Corps and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant.  It was here that she met her husband to be. Prior to the war ending, she married Master Gunnery Sergeant Samuel Christopher, USMC.

Mary worked supporting Sam as he went to Columbia Seminary to get his Divinity Degree. Once graduated, Mary and Sam set out to bring the gospel to the community in Decatur, Georgia and thus began their journey together in creating the story of Rehoboth Presbyterian Church.  She continued showing her love as she pursued a career as a Kindergarten Teacher at Rehoboth Presbyterian and the Director of the Kindergarten program at DeKalb Medical Center.   Mary’s life was dedicated to sharing her love of the Lord and her faith with their congregation and everyone around her until the very end of her life.

Mary Christopher is survived by her children, Sam Christopher and wife Marsha of Irving, Texas, Mary Nell Gurganus of Jacksonville, North Carolina, and Jon Christopher and wife, Lisa of Buford, Georgia. She has 5 grandchildren, Shane Gurganus and wife, Kristina of Waxhaw, North Carolina, Ashley Coleman and husband, Jay of Waxhaw, North Carolina, Laura Orgeron and husband, Brian of Waxhaw North Carolina, Danielle Christopher of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Andrea Christopher of Buford, Georgia. There are six greatgrandchildren, Alex Gurganus, Addison Gurganus, Tripp Coleman, Lillian Coleman, Scarlett Coleman, and Brayden Orgeron.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Samuel Horton Christopher, Jr.

The family of Mary Christopher wish to extend their appreciation to Linda Robertson for her love and dedication in helping as her caregiver.

The family desires all donations to go to Thornwell Orphanage at 302 S. Broad Street Clinton, South Carolina, 29325.

Hamilton Mill Memorial Chapel 770-945-6924 Share memories of Mary at hamiltonmillchapel.com