Christine Walling

Christine Grissom Walling, “Chrissie”, peacefully passed away on Thursday, February 9, 2012 at the age of 101 1/2. Chrissie was born to Charles W. Grissom and Emma S. Lann Grissom on August 26, 1910, in Mount Pleasant, Texas. Following her graduation from high school, Chrissie moved to Austin, Texas and attended the University of Texas. Chrissie then began her life time journey in the secretarial field.

In 1932, Chrissie met the love of her life, Frank Walling. They were married on February 12, 1933 and enjoyed a marriage that lasted more than 50 years. Their life together was filled with great adventures, loads of laughter and wonderful friends.

Chrissie’s professional career was as dynamic as she was. Chrissie worked for the Texas Railroad Commission, the Betty Lee Shoe Stores, the Texas Society of Professional Engineers, the Federal Prisoner of War Camp – Swift, Texas, the Travis Association for the Blind, Governor John Connally’s campaign and ultimately, the Texas AFL-CIO. Both Chrissie and Frank were active members of the IBEW and the Democratic Party. Additionally, Chrissie served as the den mother and PTA president for her cherished son, Bill’s, Cub Scout group and school.

Chrissie retired in 1984 to care for Frank until his passing in May 1985. From 1985 until 2009, Chrissie led a busy, independent and joyful life. She traveled throughout the United States and Europe, played poker and dominoes with her friends, walked daily with her Barton Creek Mall walking buddies, and continued to delight everyone with her talent for baking the best pies, homemade candy, tending to her own garden, crocheting special gifts…the list is endless. Chrissie was a faithful member of the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

For the last two years of her life, Chrissie lived in San Antonio and was lovingly cared for by Carmen and Ana Zara with support from Grace Hospice. The Walling family will be eternally grateful to them.

Chrissie is predeceased by her parents and her only sibling, brother, Bee Grissom.

Surviving Chrissie is her only child and cherished son, Bill E. Walling and her adored grandchildren, Greg and Allison Walling. Also surviving Chrissie is her extended family, Bill’s wife, Meg; Jenifer, Tate and Keller Robertson; the Buller family - Amy, Larry, Jamie and Brett; Greg’s fiancé, Keri Bellacosa, and a host of loving friends.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 9 o’clock in the morning until quarter past 10 o’clock in the morning on the 13th of February, the funeral services will begin at half past 10 o’clock in the morning immediately following the visitation, at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas. Graveside services will follow at Austin Memorial Park on the 13th of February.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in Chrissie’s name, to Grace Hospice, 3201 Cherry Ridge St # B216, San Antonio, TX 78230, or to the charity of your choice.