Shirley Melbalene Christian

Wilson - Funeral Services for Mrs. Shirley Melbalene Christian, 85 of Newport, are scheduled for 2:00 P.M., Thursday, January 6, 2022 at Alexander Gray Funeral Home Chapel in Wilson with Rev. David Gardner officiating. Interment will follow to Newport Cemetery.

Shirley was born August 24, 1936 in Newport to the late Mr. Joe Dean Balthrop and Mrs. Ruth Evelene (Beard) Balthrop. She departed from this life on Saturday, January 1, 2022 at her home.

Shirley was raised and lived in Newport all her life attending school at Woodford School. She married Mr. Barber Christian January 31, 1954 in Lone Grove and he preceded her in death in 1998. Shirley worked for the Lone Grove Schools as a cook before she owned and operated the Newport Store that she had operated for 35 years. She enjoyed working in her flower garden, sewing, puzzles and woodworking. Shriley was a member of the Lone Grove New Hope Freewill Baptist Church.

Preceded her in death were her parents; husband, Barber, and a grandchild, Malinda.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Sharlette Shans and husband Junior of Lone Grove; sons, Randy Christian and wife Lynn of Lone Grove and Joe Chrisitan of Stobtown; brother, J.D. Balthrop and wife Janice of Lone Grove; 6 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Wednesday evening from 5-7 P.M. at Alexander Gray Funeral Home in Wilson.

Memories may be shared online at www.alexanderfuneralhome.org.