Christine Marie Whitfield, 85, of Columbus, Mississippi, passed away at home surrounded by her children.

Christine was born on May 30, 1940, in St. Louis, Missouri, to the Nedd Whitfield and Leatha Ann Banks. She gave her life to Christ at an early age and lived her faith throughout her life.

A dedicated caregiver, Christine attended college and graduated as a registered nurse. She worked at Homer G. Phillips Hospital, where she began raising her family. After retiring from nursing, she moved to Illinois to raise her children, and later returned to Columbus, Mississippi — the hometown of her parents — where she resided.

Christine was preceded in death by her father, Nedd Whitfield; her mother, Leatha Ann Banks; brothers, Levell Steward, Earnest Whitfield, James Whitfield, and Ronald Whitfield; sisters, Annie B. Fox and Annie Lou Whitfield; and her son, Kavin Staples.

She is survived by her children: Bryant Staples (Traynesha), Smith Willis Moore Jr. (Kassandra), Barry C. Leonard, Shawn Walker, Linda Ann Lockett (Chris), and Tamara Y. Moore‑Braxton (Edward); and a host of grandchildren and great‑grandchildren who will cherish her memory.