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Christine Marie “Chris” Childers, age 71, died peacefully in her home in Vero Beach after a lengthy battle against cancer. She is survived by her husband William Childers and her brother, Dr. Thomas Johnson. Chris was loved by many other Childers family members, her many friends, coworkers, students, and neighbors. Her parents Harry and Gull-Britt Johnson were hard-working Swedes that loved her dearly. Chris left her childhood home in Virginia and started a new life in Gainesville at University of Florida finally earning her Master’s in Social Work.
She met William when they worked together at Broward Community College where she was employed as Director of Staff Development, and they have been married for 30 years. Chris retired from her higher-education career as Director of the Career Center at Lynn University.
She always loved traveling and has visited 5 continents, 49 states and 31 US national parks. Chris always loved flora, fauna, and the natural world, was an avid birder, boater, tennis player, golfer, and snow skier. She was a certified Florida Nature Guide, served on the Board of Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton, and was a member of the Estes Park Women’s Club and a land monitor for the Estes Valley Land Trust for 7 years when they lived next to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. After moving back to Vero Beach, Chris turned her attention to flora and found McKee Gardens and joined as a Gatekeeper. She loved all animals but especially her white Shiba Inu, Yuki. Chris was a beautiful, talented, intelligent wife that shared a magnificent life with a loving husband, friends, and family. She battled Lymphoma the last 2 years here and at Moffitt in Tampa, never giving up like the true Viking warrior that she was.
Chris will be forever missed and never forgotten. An irreplaceable angel has flown into her God’s house, and she will be loved there too.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2024 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Stacey Harding - Friend
September 8, 2022, 10:23 pm
Chris was the very best friend one could have. She always was supportive and encouraging. Travels, golf & Rockies games, simple dining out with Chris & Bill have created precious memories. Robin & I were blessed to have you both in Estes Park for a short time. We are sorry for your loss Bill. Love, Stacey & Robin Harding
Stacey Harding - friend
September 9, 2022, 1:10 am
Sweet Chris was so much more than a friend to me. She was always encouraging and uplifting during our years of fun in Estes Park. We traveled together, played golf weekly, went to a Ryder Cup tournament & attended Rockies games, dined out often and made the best of our times together. We have supported both Chris and Bill through this long battle. My Viking warrior princess is at peace now and lives on in my heart forever. We are so sorry for your loss Bill. Stacey & Robin Harding
Robert - Friend
September 9, 2022, 1:47 am
We love you and will miss you Chris. It was a true pleasure to get to know you. You and Bill were the perfect couple. God’s speed.
Claudia Menard - Friend
September 9, 2022, 9:06 pm
Beautiful inside and out with a continuing radiant smile. I always felt that Bill and Chris exhibited the perfect loving relationship. I cherish the time spent together in Colorado. You will always hold a special place in my heart. Your radiant spirit and legacy will live on in all of us touched by your love and light. Love, Claudia
Guy and Kay Tritico
September 9, 2022, 10:25 pm
We feel so blessed to have had Chris in our lives. She was always upbeat, positive, tender and kind. We will never forget her smiles and her love for life. You will be dearly missed, Chris, but there is Someone who is delighted to have you in His heaven! Kay & Guy Tritico
Guy & Kay Tritico - Friends
September 10, 2022, 4:02 pm
We all have lost a dear friend in Chris. Everyone that ever met Chris loved her. We know dear Chris is now in heaven with God. We will all miss her greatly. We’re glad and celebrate her finally out of pain and suffering. She is at peace now.
Rhonda Henry Childers - Family
October 17, 2022, 7:46 pm
I was so saddened to hear of your passing Chris. You were one of a kind. If everyone could be like you. I always enjoyed hanging out with you and Bill. Shine bright there in heaven.