Shirley Ann Christian

Lone Grove - Home Going Services for Mrs. Shirley Ann (Whitener) Raney Christian, 82, of Lone Grove, will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Alexander Gray Funeral Home Chapel in Wilson, officiated by Rev. Royce McClendon and Rev. David Gardner. Interment will follow at Newport Cemetery, located north of Lone Grove.

Shirley was born on June 2, 1943, at an Army base in Bakersfield, California, to the late Robin and Dorothy (Mays) "Big Dottie" Whitener. She departed from this life on Friday, June 27, 2025, at her home in Lone Grove surrounded by her family. When Shirley was just a year old, she and her mother returned to Ardmore, where she was raised. Shirley attended school through the 11th grade before marrying Sonny Raney and relocating to Palestine, Texas, where she completed her education. During their marriage, they welcomed three children.

In 1976, Shirley returned to Ardmore, where she worked at Montgomery Ward and TG&Y before dedicating 27 years of service to the Carter County Sheriff’s Department, retiring in April 2010. In 1991, she married the love of her life, Nathan Christian, which blessed her with three bonus children. Shirley enjoyed singing alongside Nathan, and her grandchildren held a special place in her heart, as she was a regular attendee at their sporting events.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, daughter Shelia Raney Rolland, son Randy Raney, and several aunts and uncles.

She is survived by her husband, Nathan, of the home; her daughter Angie Blain and husband Bobby of Comanche, OK; children Stacie Sampson and husband Lesley of Anderson, SC; Lynn Christian and wife Lori of Ardmore; Walter Christian and wife Jami of Marietta; son-in-law Randy Rolland of Muskogee, OK; along with 15 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and many other family members and friends.

Pallbearers for the service will include Lance Rolland, Joey Ross, Matt James, Jeremiah Evers, Lesley Sampson, Dawk Jackson, and Billy Christian. Honorary bearers will be all of her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will take place on Monday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Alexander Gray Funeral Home in Wilson.

As special thanks to Good Shepard Hospice for their kind felt care and support.

Memories and condolences may be shared online at [www.alexandergrayfh.com] (http://www.alexandergrayfh.com).