Enither Christine

Enither Christine, passed away in her sleep at the age of 86 on Saturday April 18, 2020 at Brookdale Senior Living, Northridge, California where she lived with her husband Frank Christine, Jr. a week after celebrating 65 years of marriage, as a consequence of dementia and the COVID-19 virus.

She was a brilliant conversationalist capable of talking your ear off, smiling the entire time, telling stories about her life and children, and rendering sage advice easily in her role as a confident mother, grandmother, and great grand-mother.

Enither was born August 29, 1933, in Pasadena, California to Idonia and Wade Clipper, the third of four sisters, the Clipper sisters, all of whom were beautiful and talented, athletic and talkative. It was in this family that Enither learned the values of faith, family, devotion, and an enjoyment of life. Educated at nearby George Washington Elementary School, Washington Junior High School, and earning her high school diploma from John Muir High School, Enither attended John Muir Junior College and developed skills that would make her an incredible mom and homemaker.

During the Korean War, a young Army soldier, Frank Christine, Jr., stationed at Fort Ord in Seaside, California, was introduced to Enither through her cousin Archie, also stationed there, and he was so smitten that he frequently made the long trek from Northern California to Pasadena to visit his future bride, and on April 10, 1955, with the blessings from Enither's parents, the two were married.

From this union the family grew with the addition of Frank, III, Michael, and then April, living in Pasadena in a small but cozy home on Vista Laguna Terrace. Enither was an amazing cook, expert in convincing, even hypnotizing her children to eat every conceivable vegetable imaginable including lima beans, broccoli, beets, squash and peas, and she was a whiz at creating casseroles and a host of delicious meals. She loved her kids more than anything else!

As a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Pasadena, Enither sang in the choir and dazzled with her beautiful alto voice, especially when asked to sing her signature song, "The Lord Will Make a Way Somehow." After the family moved to Porter Ranch, Northridge, California in 1969, Enither and family joined the Second Baptist Church in Los Angeles where she became a member of the Insirational Choir displaying her amazing voice and singing talent.

Enither became a valued member of the Hospitality Committee and her gift of conversation was always on display! The members of the committee prepared breakfast for the congregation following the early morning worship service, Church lunches, dinners, picnics and hosted a variety of special events hosted by the Church, and Enither always dazzled with grace and beauty, with an infectious smile, all the while talking your ear off.

Energetic and always busy, Enither knitted and crocheted blankets and outfits, created unique jewelry pieces, and played tennis at Northridge Park where she excelled at community tennis tournaments, all the while making it seem effortless.

Her family was everything to her, and she had a nickname for each child, frequently telling each one with a whisper, hug and kiss, that they were absolutely her "favorite one," but to this day nobody has verification which one was truly the "favorite" above the others. What a wonderful and enduring surprise!

In their later years, Enither and Frank joined Shepherd Church in Porter Ranch attending Saturday services, and also joined the Vintage Group, an exclusive ministry for members blessed with achieving their 80th birthday milestone. Enither quickly made friends with her easygoing conversational style, lighting up the room with that smile and laugh, her essence we will always treasure.

Enither leaves behind to treasure her memory her husband Frank Christine, Jr.; son Attorney Frank Christine, III and his wife Marivon; son Dr. Michael D. Christine and his wife April; and daughter Attorney April A. Christine, Esq.; grandchildren Erica Haddix and her husband Michael; Gregory J. Christine and his wife Christa; Bryant D. Christine; Eric A. Christine; Attorney Michael D. Christine, Jr.; Richard Christine; and a great-granddaughter, Brooklyn Christine; sisters Doris Johnson and Idonia Stewart; and nieces, nephews and many family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a memorial gift to support the UCLA Division of Geriatrics' research on aging directed by Dr. Arun Karlamangla, or the Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Program. Donations may be directed as follows: UC Regents, c/o Ms. Samantha Lang; Wasserman Building, 300 Stein Plaza, Suite 560, Los Angeles, California 90095-6901; Phone: (310) 351-9806; e-mail: slang@support.ucla.edu.

Please designate your gift to the research program and that your gift is in memory of Enither Christine.