Christine Roberts

Christine Sullivan Roberts, of Gulfport, went to be with her Lord on June 21, 2025. The daughter of Elias and Fannie Sullivan, Christine was born in Mississippi, on October 14, 1926. She graduated from Mize High School and took courses as a Music Major at Mississippi College.

Christine married her childhood sweetheart, John Preston Roberts, August 19, 1960, at the First Baptist Church in Fairmont, West Virginia. Children: Nancy Roberts Wilson (Terry Wilson), Tammy Roberts Turnage (Kendall Turnage), and Craig Preston Roberts (Lynn Roberts) (deceased). Throughout their married years they lived in Fairmont, WV, Salina, KS, Vicksburg, MS, and Gulfport, MS, where they met and cherished many wonderful friends.

Throughout her life, until her nineties, she used her talents through serving as a musician in her local church. She formerly taught school, was a piano teacher for several years, played the organ, directed children’s choirs, and played the piano. She was a piano teacher, teaching adults and children, and often featured her students on a TV Program, “Spotlight on Music”. One of her favorite memories is being the longtime pianist for the First Baptist Church "ScrapIron" Sunday School Class.

Christine was a talented clothing re-styler and designer, alterations specialist, and she enjoyed being a seamstress for many of her longtime friends.

She was initiated into P.E.O. Sisterhood in 1970, and was an active member for many years, including reaching her fifty-five-year member status, and was proud her daughters were also initiated into P.E.O.

Christine was an active bridge player, especially during their years in Salina, where they also enjoyed dressing up and going to the dances at the Salina County Club.

Christine was one of the Top Directors in BeautiControl Cosmetics, had 110 Consultants across the United States, and earned several trips and cruises through the years, including Cancun, Mexico, Ireland and Scotland. A highlight for her each year was attending “Celebration” in Dallas, TX and being honored on stage for her achievements.

She was known for being a wonderful hostess and baking the best Pecan Pies and Cornbread Muffins! When someone needed cheering up she would bring them a pecan pie!

Christine was a Leukemia survivor. She battled several months in the hospital and worked tirelessly to gain her strength back. She shared her story often with those struggling with leukemia and cancer in hopes to bring encouragement to them. Our family is grateful for Mom’s wonderful Oncologist through the years, Dr. Davidson, Dr. Todd Moore, and Dr. Allison Wall, as well as her Kidney Specialist, Dr. Craig Dawkins.

Clubs: Gulfport, MS: Gulfport Civic League, Woodglen Garden Club, P.E.O. Sisterhood - Chapter H, Antique Auto and Engine Club (Gulfport, MS), and Cruisin’ the Coast.

Christine and John enjoyed Crusin’ the Coast in their antique cars, which included: 1917 Model T Ford, 1960, 1963, and 1966 Corvettes, 1965 Mustang, 1926 Model T, 1917 Model T Touring Car, 1981 Mercedes, a vintage Mustang and a 1967 Austin London Taxicab. She and John Preston won numerous awards for their cars. They took pride in sharing them with the community, bringing cars to elementary schools, churches, driving brides on their wedding day, driving in parades, and cruising along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. They were members of the Antique Car Club and the Corvette Club.

They had two pets they dearly loved: A poodle, Gigi, and later years, a Maltese, Poco. Both dogs enjoyed sitting at Christine’s feet as she sewed during the day, sitting by her side on the couch in the evenings, and at the foot of her bed at night.

Preceded in death by, Husband, John Preston Roberts, Husband, James Howard Ward, Father, Elias Sullivan, Mother, Fannie Sullivan, Sisters, Leslie Sullivan Butler and Lennie Sullivan Thornton. Son, Craig Roberts and Daughter in Law, Lynn Roberts.

She is survived by her daughters, Nancy Roberts Wilson (Terry), Marble Falls, TX, and Tammy Roberts Turnage (Kendall), Gulfport, MS. Her Grandchildren: Heidi Christine Deen (Dustin), San Antonio, TX, Kristen Turnage Moody (Brian), Biloxi, MS, Maria Turnage Burkett (Matthew), Naples, Italy, Christian Wilson, Alexandria, LA, and Terianne Wilson Ballard (Russell), Pineville, LA. Great Grandchildren: Christian Ballard, Cody Wilson, Natalie Wilson, Preston Deen, Ryann Deen, Summerlyn Moody, Easton Moody, Charlotte Moody, Elijah Moody, and Olivia Moody.

The service will be at 11:00 on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at The First Baptist Church of Gulfport, 12190 Highway 605, Gulfport, MS. Visitation will be from 10:00 -11:00 am, with the funeral service at 11:00 am. A graveside service will then be held at 3:00 pm at New Hope Baptist Church in Mt. Olive, MS.

A very special thanks to our dear family friend and caregiver Natalie L Smith DeLeon and her mother, Linda S Constantino for their sweet loving care of our mother during her later years.

Also, a special thanks to the staff of Driftwood Nursing Center for their kind care of Mom.

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family.