Ann Christian

Ann Christian passed away at Providence Hospital Saturday, April 28, 2007, with her family near her. Services will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 2, at Seventh and James Baptist Church with Dr. Raymond Bailey officiating. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial Park. Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Alice and Ralph Davis. Ann is survived by her husband of 41 years, Dr. Robert Christian; and son, Bryan Christian and his wife, Angela of Austin; and by many loving friends that were a true extended family. Ann and Robert attended Baylor University and married after graduation in August 1965 at Seventh and James Baptist Church in Waco. Robert attended Baylor Dental School in Dallas, Texas, where Ann taught English at Hillcrest High School. After completing dental school, the couple enlisted for two years in the U.S. Air Force, serving in the dental corps at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, S.D. It was here that their son, Bryan, was born in 1970, and the beginning of a whole new world took place in the lives of Ann and Robert. Bryan's life at each age brought an indescribable happiness and excitement. Ann loved her family more than anything in her life. Dr. and Mrs. Christian returned to Waco where Dr. Christian has practiced dentistry for the past 36 years. Bryan also graduated from Baylor and presently works as an advertising executive in Austin. Ann was active in teaching pre-school Sunday school at Seventh and James Baptist Church, tutoring for GED affiliation through the Adult Learning Center, and working for years with Meals on Wheels and Vacation Bible School. This beloved church touched every part of her life and her family's throughout the years. The fellowship, service, worship and music continually ministered to this family. Ann volunteered for many years in the Central Texas Dental Auxiliary, the Wives' Support Group for the Dental Society, whose main focus was teaching area children about dental health, and serving with other Dental Auxiliaries state-wide. Professionally, Ann worked in advertising in a Waco firm, as an employee of Magnolia Marketing and Holding Company, and in the 1990s joined her husband working in his dental practice until she retired. She always referred to the people she met in her careers as the best group of friends she could ever have. Working with her husband brought them both together with many families in our community. She continued free-lance editing, mainly with professors seeking tenure. An English, Latin and Education Major at Baylor University, Ann was never at a loss for a thought from the rich poetry heritage she received. This thought from Emily Dickinson always went to her family and friends: Each part of my family and my friends that I lose takes a sliver Away from me, like the crescent moon; but all abide to make The full moon return, bright and shining. All of God's children are special. That's the way it is. Every once in a while He places one among us who can touch us or talk to us in such a special way that for a while, or forever, our lives are better, our hurts are less and our happies are happier. Now this dear friend, mother and wife is resting in the much-deserved Peace of God through Christ her Savior. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. September 1943 -April 28, 2007 Sign the Guest Book at www.wacotrib.com