Christeen was the youngest of nine children, spirited, determined, driven but most of all she had a heart the size of Arkansas. As a mother of three natural-born children, and the adoption of one of her grandchildren, making her a mother of four daughters. There was still more room for love to be shared as can be attested by the 21 Nieces and Nephews. As the daughters and the extended family can share; there is no one, who has not felt her love, and knows that her love is unconditional. She let the family know how important they were, how much she loved each and every one of us. She took the time to tell each one how incredible they were, and her loss leaves a void in so many of her family members. Her love for her family was unconditional, unwavering, and has been the backbone for keeping this large family connected through many seasons. Christeen and her siblings grew from poverty, and Christeen learned those "hard knocks" would not stand in her way, and could most likely be the inspiration that drove her to strive for the betterment of herself and her family.
Christeen also has had a very diverse career; she spent many years working in the banking industry, hospitals, private sectors, state, and nonprofits; and as with her family, her co-workers know and share the same compliments to the amazing attributes of this amazing lady. To Christeen, living meant willful, cheerful engagement and doing, which she did right up to the time of her illness. One of the things we have heard and experienced is Christeen is always quick with a smile, and willing to do her part to help her team be successful. She always knew how to brighten someone's day and make them feel loved. She treated everyone with kindness and respect. She rarely got mad and when she did, you knew she had a darn good reason and you knew it! Her outlook on life was inspiring. If you were lucky to spend more than five minutes in her presence, you were forever changed. she embraced each day with optimism.
Christeen was a member of Harmony Free Will Baptist Church in Rye.
Christeen was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband of 55 � years, Orbert "O.J." Curry whom she married on December 22nd, 1962. He passed on July 19th, 2018. Also, preceding her in death were brothers Melvin McKinney, Sammy McKinney, and sisters Alline Hays Perrette, Gertie Bradley, Odessie Eubanks, and Allie Bradley.
Surviving is daughters Angela Mondragon, Conway, AR, Tonya Curry & Sonya Curry- Castle both of Connecticut and Megan (Andrew) Wells, Little Rock, AR. Sisters Audria Carter, Porter, TX and Maxine McKinney, Rye, AR. 7 grandchildren Danny Brickey, Joel Brickey, Jesse Mondragon, Lauren Curry- Castle, Miranda Curry, Mariah Curry, and Sebastian Wells. 3 Great Grandchildren Sydney, Maycee, and Jake Brickey with one on the way Liam Brickey.
Pallbearers - Danny Brickey, Joel Brickey, Jesse Mondragon, Andrew Wells, Gary Gavin
Honorary Pallbearers - George Coker, Jesse Mondragon Sr., Danny Brickey Sr.
We invite you to a viewing in celebration of Christeen's life at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home in Monticello on Saturday to express your condolences. This is a come and go viewing, no gathering. We understand gatherings during this pandemic pose a difficult choice; we understand if you decide you cannot attend in person. The family would be unable to manage the grief if others were to get ill due to the gathering. We offer you the opportunity to leave messages in the online guestbook offered by Stephenson-Dearman. We are not planning a reception; however, there will be a small graveside service on Sunday at Union Cemetery at 2 p.m. For those of you who choose to attend in person, the funeral home will usher you through using social distancing. Masks must be worn throughout the entirety; there will be no gathering or sitting at the funeral home. At the graveside, again masks must be worn, social distancing respected, attendees must not sit together unless they are unit arriving as one group; if you do plan to attend, please bring a lawn chair for your convenience. These are respectful efforts from the family to minimize cross spreading. We do love hugs, but we kindly request no hugging and your help in following these guidelines for everyone's safety. If have been sick or around someone who has been sick, the family respectfully asks that you do not participate.
Condolences(20)
Bernita Morgan Clark
College Station, TX Wednesday, March 17, 2021 My condolences to Christeen's family. She helped me find help for my mother, Mildred Patrick Morgan, after she became unable to live alone. She contributed valuable information to family history and genealogy research. She was always friendly and willing to help.Tracy and Monica Nichols
Warren, AR Sunday, January 31, 2021 Sorry for your loss. The family is in our prayers.Don and Eloise Hunter
Warren, AR Sunday, January 31, 2021 We are so sorry to hear about Christeen. Our Thoughts and Prayers are with each one of youBradley and Paula Herring
Warren, AR Sunday, January 31, 2021 Angie, Tonya, Sonya and Family we are so sorry to hear about Christeen. Our Thoughts and Prayers are with each one of you. Love to each one of you.Keith & Wendy James
Kingsland, AR Saturday, January 30, 2021 Angela, we’re so sorry for your loss. Please know we are thinking about you and praying for your family.Bobby Terry
Rison, AR Saturday, January 30, 2021 I was a classmate of Christeen’s. I’m sorry I can’t be with the family at this time, but my thoughts & prayers are with you. We have had some fun times & I have so many good memories of Christeen. She will be greatly missed.Bobby L Terry
Natalie Lindsey-Milam
Driftwood, TX Saturday, January 30, 2021 Dear Tonya, Sonya, Angela, & Megan:I am so very sorry for your loss & for the tough battle your mom fought in the end. She was such a kind person & a pleasure to know. With her often smiling or laughing, it was uplifting to be around her.
Chris & O.J. were both very special people to my family. Our dads were hired on at the RR at the same time in the ‘60s & enjoyed their long personal & work friendship for many years. They even relocated their families together! I have fond memories of when we all moved to Pratt in ’84 & lived in the same duplex as neighbors on Commodore St. I smile even now to recall going next door, talking with your mom, & listening to her laugh. What a great lady!
Her departure leaves a big void in your lives, but God’s Grace is more than sufficient. I pray for all of you that the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, fill up your hearts & minds to overflowing with His Peace & His Comfort as you put your trust in Him. The Lord’s Love for you is matchless, & it will carry you through these days of grieving & transition as well as through the months & years ahead without your mom. God’s Grace can help you move past the pain & dwell in a time of sweet remembrance. Your mom would have wanted you to keep looking forward & fulfill your God-given calling in this life.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy & peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
With deepest sympathy, condolences, thoughts, prayers, & love for you four daughters & for the rest of Chris’s family & friends.
Linda & Tommy Paschall
White Hall, AR Saturday, January 30, 2021 Christeen was loved and will be missed by so many. We were blessed to have known her and to be a part of her family. She greeted everyone with a beautiful smile and warm welcome. We are praying that God will give you all strength and comfort during this sad time. We love you all.Renee Hickerson Granderson
Pine Bluff, AR Saturday, January 30, 2021 Tonya and Sonya I am so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. ReneePatsy Smith
Warren, AR Saturday, January 30, 2021 My deepest sympathy goes out to you in the loss of Christeen. My thoughts and prayers are with you.Katherine Jacks Moyers
Pine Bluff, AR Friday, January 29, 2021 My Dear friend , I am going to Miss you and the wonderful Biscuits and Gravy ,and all the good times we had , Prayers for Your Kids and Grandkids That You Loved so much, Rest in peace my Friend...KatSandra Toole
Marshall, TX Friday, January 29, 2021 Christeen was a second cousin of mine. She was a precious Christian lady and loved by many. We had good times as children when we would visit her family in the "Bend". Prayers for all.Patsy Smith
Warren, AR Friday, January 29, 2021 Dear Family,May God be with you in this journey of the loss of Christeen. My caring thoughts and prayers are with you.
Samantha Stichert
White Hall, AR Friday, January 29, 2021 It breaks my heart to hear about Chris, she was a great friend to me when she worked at AAASEA. She was my lunch buddy!!1 She will be truly missed. Prayers and thoughts go out to the family during this difficult timeJamie Hays Frisby
El Dorado, AR Friday, January 29, 2021 A mother’s love is alive forever. In the lessons she taught, the patience she gave, and in the hearts of the children she raised. My prayers go out to all of you in this time of great sadness. Aunt Chris will be missed by all who knew her.Breanna Carter
Katy, TX Thursday, January 28, 2021 I miss you aunt Chris.Nancy Davis
Decatur, AL Thursday, January 28, 2021 So very sorry for your Loss I loved Christeen dearly and she was a special one of kind Lady, We really enjoyed our McKinney Reunions back in the day and she was very fun to be around My Daddy Gaston Always called her his favorite, we love you all will continue to pray for you.Donna McKinney Taylor
Warren, AR Thursday, January 28, 2021 Megan and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all in the days ahead. Christeen was so special to me. I loved her dearly and will miss our visits. Love you all.Danny and Brenda Adair
Warren, AR Thursday, January 28, 2021 Praying for your family today and the days ahead.Betty Bradley-Russell
Lacey, AR Thursday, January 28, 2021 Rest in Peace Aunt Chris, your job on earth is done. Until we meet again, love you always!