Trudie Maxine Golding Christian, (101) of Tenaha (lovingly known by many as Grandmother) joyfully slipped into the arms of Christ on July 2, 2023. She was born on September 28, 1921, to the late Joel Eddie Golding and Maude Aby Harvey Golding of Huxley, Texas. Maxine (Grandmother) was the beloved wife of the late Charlie B. Christian, a long-serving sheriff of Shelby County.

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 7, 2023, at First Baptist Church in Tenaha. She will be laid to rest at Old Union Cemetery beside her late husband and daughter, Charlotte Anne Christian. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, July 6, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Maxine (Grandmother) is survived by Three children:

Carolyn Kay Christian Morse and husband Ronald of Center

Calvin Brown Christian of Tenaha

Carla Christian Looney and husband Mark of Tenaha

Ten Grandchildren:

Natalie Morse

Brett Morse

Lorri Morse Mason

Chad Christian

Brooke Christian Cassell

Michelle Looney Smith

Janelle Looney Talbert

Braden Looney

Christian Looney

Daniel Holsey

Seventeen Great-Grandchildren:

Charlie Corbell

Jeffrey Mason

Sarah Mason

Callianna Cassell

Caitlyn Cassell

Case Cassell

George Smith

Sarah Smith

Connor Talbert

Will Talbert

Myles Talbert

June Looney

Kale Looney

Grant Looney

Isaiah Hemphill

Ellington Holsey

Brody Mark Holsey Sister-in-law: Beth Golding

Special Extended Family: Judy Walker

Sandra Palmer

Debbie Lawson

Glenda Leflett

Pat Golding

Barbara Jordan

Judy Snider

Don Dial

Robert Dial

Preceded in death by Charlie B. Christian (husband) Joel Eddie and Maude Aby Golding (parents) Charlotte Anne Christian (daughter) Callie Ann Christian (granddaughter) G. L. Golding (brother) Lona Belle Golding Wheeler (sister) Thurman Ross Golding (brother) Eddie Eugene Golding (brother) Pallbearers will be: Brett Morse Chad Christian Braden Looney Josh Talbert Daniel Holsey Charlie Corbell George Smith Connor Talbert Will Talbert

Grandmother’s passion for Christ extended throughout her life into a multitude of deeds including serving as a Sunday School teacher (two-year-olds); going on mission trips to Mexico and Missouri; and sewing for the nursing home ministry.  Throughout her life, her love for children, especially babies, became her mantra. Her face glowed when a child entered her world and children responded in kind.

Grandmother was a “stand-in Mom” to many, always available to listen, pray, encourage, and teach. Many grew up with her shared wisdom, gentle spirit, and words of encouragement. Frequently and fondly, many called her “My Mom.” One could feel her never-ending love and compassion. Her sense of humor surfaced just at the right moments.

Grandmother’s one great love was her late husband and soulmate of 49 years, Charlie B. The two met on a Sunday night in front of the First Baptist Church in Center. Grandmother and a friend were attending church when Charlie B. placed a note on her car’s windshield. Maxine, a Center girl, and Charlie B., a Tenaha football player, were soon to begin their life’s journey. Within a week, they had their first date and Maxine had met the “true love of her life” and spent the remaining months of her senior year “courting” Charlie B. Grandmother described this time as “the most exciting time,” filled with horseback riding on the farm in Tenaha with picnics in the pasture, attending church services, sitting around with family, laughing at the day’s events and sharing future dreams. This “love affair” lasted until Charlie B.’s passing in 1990. As the years passed, Grandmother honored this great love by sharing his memory with friends and family.

Grandmother’s and Granddaddy’s family were the center of their attention. Friday night sleepovers on “Christian Hill” became a household tradition. Reports of scary tales and near-death experiences continue to circulate within the family. Good times transitioned into a “Friday Night Lights” atmosphere where they could be found watching the grands twirl, march in the band, cheer and play football. An opportunity to show up to parades and backyard cookouts was never missed. Grandmother and Granddaddy never missed an opportunity to show up for the grands.

To Grandmother’s friends, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren — look into the night sky, find a twinkling star and you will receive a glimpse of two exceptional people passing their faith and strength to you. In death, Maxine and Charlie B. are reunited and have left this world a much better place. Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com