Wilma Jean Christian
(August 6, 1927 - April 1, 2018)

Wilma Jean Grobe Christian, 90, left the bonds of this earth into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus, on Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. at Beard Mortuary with Rev. James L. Christian officiating. Burial will follow in Ridgelawn Memorial Park. Jean was born August 6, 1927 in Cabell County, WV the daughter of the late James and Emma Kearns Grobe.  Jean graduated from Huntington East High School in 1945 and attended Marshall University majoring in accounting. She retired from Pepsi Co., Inc., after 28 years of service.  She was a member of First Avenue Church (Methodist) using her talents, starting at the age of 12. She played the piano for the church for the next 25 years; she later served at the former Highlawn United Methodist Church, now Community of Grace, in different capacities. Jean quietly helped so many in so many different ways with her loving and caring heart. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, the love of her life for 53 years, Thomas E. Christian, Sr., brothers and sisters-in-law, Dr. James L. (June) Grobe and Lt. Melvin D. (Kathryn) Grobe and a nephew, Melvin D. Grobe, Jr. Jean is survived by her loving family who she adored, her son, Thomas E. Christian, Jr.; two daughters and son-in-law, Jane Meadows and Jean and Roger Aylor; five grandchildren, Michael (Amanda) Meadows, Travis (Maxine) Aylor, Andrew Meadows, Natalie (Matthew) Maynard and Emily (Kevin) Pace; a brother and sister-in-law, Rev. James L. (Rebecca) Christian; eight great grandchildren and five step great grandchildren. She is also survived by nephews, Jim (Holly) Grobe, Jeff (Billie) Grobe and Dr. James L. (Randy) Grobe; nieces, Kathy Grobe, Lisa Grobe and Lori Grobe; several dear Christian family nieces and nephews and a host of extended family and friends. The family would like to express a special thank you to those who helped Jean during her illness, Dr. Dawn MacFarland and her staff, St. Mary’s Home Health, Hospice of Huntington, St. Mary’s Medical Center 6th floor, Med-Surg Nursing staff, 5th floor skilled nursing and Therapists staffs. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Hospice of Huntington, a church or a charity of choice. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Beard Mortuary.