Obituary of Mary Jane Christian

Mary Jane Christian, 87, passed peacefully at home on August 7, 2023. She was born in Berwin West Virginia on April 19, 1936. She loved telling the story of how she used to travel to Roanoke via train to attend nursing school. She was preceded in death by her husband Paul Christian, her parents Luther and Ruth Houdashell Lawson, two sisters Margie Nicely and Ellen Huffman and brother John Lawson.

Mary is survived by her daughter Darlene Bowen and Son-in-law Mike, niece Jodie Wood and husband Jeff and many other nieces nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. She is also survived by new family members and loved dearly: Bette, Cindy and Jerry. Also very special friend Kathy Hawkins and her grand puppies.

She was a nurse for over 30 years for Dr. Charles Hefner until she retired and enjoyed traveling. For many years and she went to several countries and had been to all 50 states before she went back to work for Jefferson Internal Medicine for another 10 years. Mary liked to keep busy, enjoyed watching tennis on TV, was an avid walker, and enjoyed keeping up with her Facebook. Mary was always very active up until recent years and beloved by all that came across her.

She was very active in her church, Oakland Baptist, singing in the choir and actively served on many committees. Mary loved her church family.

The family would like to thank Dr. Jaeger, Dr. Mulinda, Dr. Tershack, Dr. Patrick Carpenter, and Dr. Bret Adams. And a very special thank you to nurse Ashely and Good Samaritan Hospice for all you did working together to help Mary find the comfort and peace in her short battle. She gave it her all and fought til the end. She never gave up and never quit.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Good Samaritan Hospice. 2408 Electric Rd., Roanoke VA 24018 or online: www.GoodSam.care, so they can continue their work to help families like they did for us. 

Services will be held Friday, August 11, 2023 at 11 am at Simpson Funeral Home Peters Creek Road Chapel with Rev. Trevor Clatterbuck officiating. Burial will be private for the family. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home & Crematory. 5160 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke VA 24019 (540) 366-0707.