Christie Gayle Peterson

Christie “Chris” Gayle Peterson, passed away on February 6, 2024, in Lubbock, Texas. She was a cherished wife, loving mother, wonderful grandmother, and friend and confidant to many.

Chris was born November 18, 1951, in Hollis, Oklahoma to Jean Doolen and Gale Hollis. She grew up in Hollis, Hobbs, New Mexico, and Lubbock, where she graduated from Lubbock Christian High School in 1969.

She attended Harding University before transferring back to Texas Tech, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education in 1973.  While at Tech, she met the love of her life, Jesse “Jess” Peterson. The two were married on December 22, 1972.

Chris touched the lives of numerous children, helping shape their hearts and minds with her nurturing approach. She taught kindergarten and first grade in Houston and Lubbock before choosing to stay at home to raise her daughters. She returned to teaching in 1998 and taught for 17 years at Cathelene Thomas Elementary in Slaton before retiring in 2015. She was a reading specialist at the time of retirement.

Beyond her career, she spent countless hours in volunteer efforts. Chris and Jess were part of the education team at Broadway Church of Christ, where Chris taught five-year-olds for many years. Then they moved on to Monterey Church of Christ where Jess was the education and senior adult minister. She worked tirelessly helping Jess with both areas of ministry. Then on to Green Lawn Church of Christ where Chris was particularly involved in Ladies Bible Class, the Blessing Center, and the Senior Adult ministry. She also volunteered regularly with Lubbock Area United Way.

Chris enjoyed traveling, holidays, and collecting angel figurines, but particularly enjoyed being with her grandchildren. She loved picking them up from school—taking them to the park, to get ice cream, to the Science Spectrum—watching whatever TV show or movie they currently fancied—having them spend Friday nights with her and Grandad—and providing sound advice and interest in anything they were involved with.

Chris is survived by her loving husband and soulmate of 51 years, Jess. She leaves behind her two devoted daughters, Jill (Jake) Rinehart and Amanda (Andy) McAfee, who inherited her compassionate and giving spirit. Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren, Benjamin and Katharine Rinehart, and Caroline and Jack McAfee. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Michael (Georgie) Peterson, nephews Brad (Suzan) Tanzer and Shawn (Julie) Peterson, nieces Kim (Rod) Tanzer and Mishael Hittie, cousin Paulette Evans, and many, many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Peggy Tanzer.

In honor of Chris’ life and the impact she had on others, her family suggests memorial donations in her memory to World Bible School (worldbibleschool.net/give), the College Missions Ministry at Green Lawn Church of Christ, or Lubbock Area United Way.

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