Obituary of Christine H. Slack

Our SunshineChristine Harris Slack

Christine would often point upward and say, “One day I am going there!”

Christine Harris Slack stepped away to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 19, 2024. Christine was born March 26, 1926, to Silas Harris and Ella Gordon Bradley in Milton, Florida. She attended school in Milton. She accepted the Lord as her savior at an early age and was baptized at the Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church where she served faithfully. She married her high school sweetheart Walter Lee Slack and from this union two girls were born, Gloria Jean Pipes and Virginia Lee Slack. After several years, this union dissolved but they remained good friends until his death in 2003.

Christine worked as a domestic worker for Colonel White and family and when he was being transferred to the U.S. Pentagon, he asked if she would come with them. She said, “Yes”! In 1955, here dream came true and she quickly found Mount Salvation Baptist Church and served faithfully until the early months of this year. 

In 1957, Christine returned to Milton to get her daughters and raised them in Arlington, VA. She was a member of the Royal Echoes, Senior Choir and Welcome Committee. Mrs. Ruth Hick was the first church member she met. Other members embraced her and made her feel welcome. Alfie and Helen Faggins adopted her as family and their children called her Aunt Christine. Other members became close friends like sisters and brother. Christine and Mamie Feamster (deceased) were so close that when you saw one you saw the other. They planned their doctor’s appointments and shopping schedules at the same time. Mama had the transportation and Mamie knew the directions. Deacon William Johnson (Daisy-deceased) has always been like a big brother to her. Christine opened her arms to newcomers and often invited them to Sunday dinner. 

Christine loved animals! She had a cat named Miss Muffett and a dog named Tiger. Christine and her daughters lived with Mrs. Cora Hill for several years and became close to the Costly and Snowden family. Sandra Green always remembered Christine and sent cards each holiday and was always invited to the neighbor’s corner events.

In 1980, Christine was a licensed nurses aid. She was employed at Powhatan Nursing Facility for 20 years, working the 11pm to 7am shift. After Nolda Williams was employed at the facility, the two carpooled together. She continued to work for Mrs. Catherine East during the day. The close bond with Betsy East never ended! After retiring, Christine joined the John M. Langston Senior Center. She loved the outings, being around other seniors, laughing, and sharing stories. She especially loved puzzles. Christine, Margaret Richardson and Violet Fenty would put puzzles together every day. Some are on display at the center.

Christine read her bible regularly, so much that the pages would be marked with notes, highlights, back cover off, pages torn, and missing. In her last days, at night she was heard praying and quoting scriptures. Her favorite scriptures were Philippians 4:13 and 1 John 4:4. She was friendly to all, always smiling, and loved hugs. She had a beautiful character, wonderful humor and was a great family historian. Christine loved coffee, milk and ice-cream. She will always be remembered by all as Mama, Grandma, Unah, Sister Slack, Mrs. Christine, and Chris.

Christine was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Lee Slack; father - Silas Harris; mother - Ella Gordon Bradley; brothers - Eulile Bradley and Albert Bradley.

Christine leaves to cherish her memories her two daughters - Gloria Jean Pipes and Virginia Lee Slack; five grandchildren - James H. ‘Skip’ Powell, Jr.,  Angela M. Powell, Reginald Scott McCurdy (Evelyn), Christina A. Reynolds, and Tashia M. Prior; fourteen great grandchildren - Wayne Powell, Sr. (Michelle), Robin Powell, Santia Powell, Lauren Powell, Kiana Wilkins (Reginald), Elysse Parson (Joseph), Soteria Powell, Zion Powell, Sabryia Reynolds, Timothy Reynolds, Jr., Tamara Douglas (Randy), Juwanté Vaughan (Ariel), David McCurdy, Camay McCurdy; sixteen great-great grandchildren - Asia Powell, Wayne Powell, Jr., Jaden Powell, Jonathan McCree, James Johnson, Devon Johnson, Thomas Johnson, Caleb Jones, Nathan Johnson, Jr., Joseph Parson, Jr., Kadedra Douglas, Kala Douglas, Ramiyah Douglas, Raylin Douglas, Randy Douglas II, Ravington Douglas her youngest great-great grand who was born October 18, 2024; three brothers - Bruce Harris (Beverly), Major Harris (Beverly), Jeffrey Harrris of Milton, Florida; one sister - Sonya Faye Wilson (John) of Charleston, South Carolina; step mother - Pearlie Harris of Milton, Florida; first cousin - Betsy Johnson (Russell), and a host of nephews, nieces, relatives, and special acquaintances.  

Christine was our Sunshine!