Jean Christison

DANVILLE - Jean Knight Christison, 77, of Danville passed away Sunday morning, January 11, 2015 at Colonial Manor, surrounded by her loving family. Jean was born August 29, 1937 in White Hall, Illinois, the daughter of Clement L. and Ina (Vedder) Knight. She was a 1955 graduate of White Hall High School. Jean married the love of her life, Roy Christison, on February 26, 1956 in White Hall. After they were married, Jean lived briefly in Michigan and Wisconsin before returning to Jacksonville, Illinois. In 1969, Jean and Roy moved their family to Danville after purchasing Danville Wholesale Paper. She worked there for many years, before returning to school. Jean had a strong desire to complete a college education and graduated in 1990 with a Bachelors in Science from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She then graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1991 with a Masters in Dietetics. Following her graduation, she worked for what was then United Samaritans Medical Center, and Vermilion Manor Nursing Home as a Registered Dietician. Jean loved spending time with family, cooking, and walking for exercise. She was also an avid Illini sports fan, always ready to watch or attend the next game! Jean was a lifetime member of First Presbyterian Church, Ruth Circle and AMDOES. She is survived by her husband of nearly 59 years, Roy of Danville; three children, Susan (Jim) Scholtz of McHenry, Illinois, Steve (Debbie) Christison of Carrollton, Illinois, and Jim (Anne) Christison of Danville; six grandchildren, Ben (Michelle) Scholtz, Aaron Scholtz, Carly Christison, Colin Christison, Samantha Christison and Jeffrey Christison; a brother, Vedder (Vivian) Knight of White Hall; a sister, Ann Ash of Jacksonville; and many very special nieces and nephews. A memorial service to celebrate Jeans life will be 11 a.m. Thursday, January 15th at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, with Pastor Jimmy Hopper officiating. She will be laid to rest at a later date in Sunset Memorial Park. Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Sunset Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 4:30 until 6:30 p.m. Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Memorials have been established for American Alzheimers Association and Danville First Presbyterian Church. Please join Jeans family in sharing memories, photos and video of her life through her Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.