Chris Weems, aged 93, passed away May 8 at Springhill Baptist Hospital. She was born November 27, 1930 to Ingram and Eloise Snider Smith at Hamilton, Arkansas. Chris graduated from Carlisle High School. She attended Henderson State Teachers College where she obtained a degree in Home Economics and later a Masters.
She was preceded in death by her husband Charles of 47 years, her parents, brothers Elton and Maston Smith, her sisters Callie V Baker, Ruth Woods, nephew Billy Baker, great nieces Patti Carroll, Renee Mott and Bailey Swilley, and great-great nephew Miller Wayne Silverman.
She is survived by sisters Jane Head of Keller, Tx and Hazel Swilley of Hazen, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Chris was a retired Home Ec teacher of nearly 4 decades. She also sponsored the Future Homemakers of America and the school’s yearbook. She earned recognition from Cambridge Who’s Who.
Chris was a member of Calvary Baptist Church for 72 years. Brother Christian said that he never knew the church without Ms Chris. She was the longest, living member and served as church clerk, choir member and director and teacher in the Discovery Program. She was a big influence in Vacation Bible School and taught many songs to the kids.
She was a member of GFWC Elsie McCain club and 50 year member Eastern Star and a Master Gardener and could still be seen mowing and puttering around in the yard.
Anyone lucky enough to take Home Ec from her, learned to cook starting with the delicious bean (Presbyterian) sandwiches and Snikerdoodles.
Chris received so many awards and was so proud of all of her accomplishments. She was always late and when someone would tease her about being late for her own funeral she would laugh and say they’re just early. She leaves several nieces and nephews that she loved telling stories about, usually, to their embarrassment. She will be dearly missed by so many. And so many things will go undone because she’s not there to do them.
Funeral Services will be at 2:00 Saturday, May 11, at Calvary Baptist Church. Visitation will be at 1:00 at the church.
Prayers for peace to all of the family and friends of Ms. Chris. She was a remarkable lady, full of energy and ideas. I always enjoyed being in her company and truly appreciated her support during my campaigns and time in office.
I was fortunate to know and be a friend to Christine at Henderson my freshman year.
She was the first person to welcome me there with her sweet smile and complimentary conversation,
I am glad to read that she continued to be a blessing to others as she was to me and that she was serving the Lord in many other ways.
My God comfort and bless her family as they grieve her passing on.
Ms. Weems is one of my favorite memories of going to Hazen High school the year LR Central High School was closed (1958-59). Everyone was extremely kind to the 50 students who attended. But Home-Economics and Mrs. Weems have stood out in my memories. Thanks to all who made our year of displacement one we will never forget. I am sure she leaves an empty place in all who loved her. She will have a an extra jewel in her crown! Annette Jackson Hawkins
My sympathy in the loss of Chris. I sat at the table with Chris a couple weeks ago at the Committee of One Hundred Spring Luncheon in Little Rock. She was always so nice and I cherish knowing her through the committee.
Mrs. Weems was certainly one of a kind & cannot be replaced! She will be missed by so many. She WAS Home Ec at Hazen High School and I loved her class! I remember her also as Bunni Baker’s Aunt Chris. My prayers are with you, Bunni, and all the family. Memories of her are bound to bring many smiles to lots of people! RIP Mrs. Christine Weems!
We were honored to have Chris at our Arkansas State Convention for The General Federation of Women’s Clubs this past weekend. I am so happy we were able to spend this this time with our long time GFWC sister and be able to send her off with hugs. Chris we will miss you! Vickie Davis. GFWC state President
That sweet lady guided me through my entire life! She was always there to encourage me to be involved in some community work. She is the reason that I became a GFWC District President and then the GFWC AR State President in 2012. I was fortunate enough to be her friend and there will be a hole in our community that cannot be filled . 🙏
She taught us a lot in Home Ec class and made it fun. Even after all these years if I came back to visit it would feel strange not to see her. She always greeted me with a smile. She will be missed.
So glad I got to see Miss Chris at Arkansas GFWC last weekend. Admired by many, she will be missed. Prayers for peace and comfort.
She was a wonderful teacher and we all learned to Cook from her she Will be missed. Mrs Chris take your Rest I Love You 🙏❤️🙏💐🌹👑💝♥️🫶😘💖🤣💞😍💗💋🎉🥰💐💐💐
My heart was deeply saddened by the news of Chris’ passing. Such an amazing and gracious lady. I know our Eastern Star meetings just won’t be the same without her. We have lost a most precious SiStar!
Christine was the first to become a home economics major from a group of us at Carlisle High School and encouraged the rest of us to follow. We all looked up to her as we scattered around the state to teach. She will indeed be missed by all of us. She and I were both proud to have been born in the Hamilton community.
She is one fine lady and the Lord has her as a treasure in heaven. From the time I started to school, she went home with every girl in school and spent the night. She even spent the night with Carolyn, Scott, my neighbor, and we did not even have indoor water and bathroom. She is a jewel and she taught my sister to sew and make her own dress. When I was supposed to take home, I told her I did not have the money to pay the fees and she said she would pay them for me, but I would not let her and I took geometry instead, and they gave me credit for home because they knew I didn’t have the money to pay the fee. Everyone loved Christine Williams because she was a Christian lady in every way. God bless all those who remember her and have loved her.