Christine Suzanne Chilton

Christine (Cris) Chilton, 65, went to be with the Lord on November 16, 2013. She was born in Baltimore, Maryland on May 13, 1948 to Charles & Kathryn Nickell. She moved to Richmond, VA at the age of two. She continued to call Richmond home for 63 years, where she married the love of her life, raised her children, and gave her love and generosity to the community. She is survived by her husband, David Chilton; two children, Brian Chilton & Jana Copeland; a son-in-law, Al Copeland; a daughter-in-law, Alicia Chilton; two grandchildren, Zachary & Elizabeth Chilton; mother, Kathryn Nickell; three siblings, Kathy Herman, Carin Nickell & Charles Nickell, Jr.; two brothers-in-law, Daniel Chilton & Patrick Herman; five nieces, Christie Herman, Stephanie Herman, Amanda Nickell, Arianna Chilton & Samantha Chilton; two nephews, Matthew Herman & Andrew Nickell; as well as countless friends. Cris was an amazing woman, daughter, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, godmother, friend, teacher, confidant & daughter of God. She was a parishioner at St. Mary’s Catholic Church for 29 years, where she served as a catechist, a Eucharistic minister, and a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus. She also believed in the power and value of education. After graduating from Douglas Freeman High School in 1966, Cris attended Stratford College in Danville, VA where she received an Associate of Arts degree. She then attended James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA, receiving her B.A. in Mathematics & Secondary Education. Cris then traded the student desk for a seat behind the teacher’s desk. She taught mathematics at Aurora High School in Aurora, N.C. for a year then returned to Richmond to work for the family business, Central Equipment Company. In 1983 she rejoined the teaching profession as a mathematics teacher at Hermitage High School in the Henrico County Public Schools District. During her 24 years at Hermitage High she made mathematics a priority, interesting, and accessible to thousands of students. However, the students weren’t her only concern. She also cared for her colleagues by serving on multiple committees; including chairing both the Campus Safety Committee and the Security and Crisis Team; by assisting with new computer applications; seeking out and sharing best teaching practices through programs such as High Schools That Work and representing her fellow teachers in organizations like Henrico Education Association, where she served on the Board of Directors, Virginia Education Association & the National Education Association. Cris also continued her own education during these years, receiving her Masters of Education in 1994 from Virginia Commonwealth University. After retiring from Henrico County Public Schools, Cris kept herself busy and continued giving to the community. She served as president of the Henrico Retired School Personnel Association. She is a member of the mathematics teachers’ sorority, Alpha Delta Kappa, where she served as treasurer. Cris was the internal auditor for Dominion Uniserve (VEA) and a session secretary at the Virginia General Assembly for several delegates. She also gave her time and experience to the Susan G. Komen Foundation of Central Virginia, serving as a volunteer educator, organizing teams for the annual walk, raising funds and donating resources. Cris was also a founding member of SLIC (smart ladies investment club), an active participant in Community Bible Study and enjoyed getting together with the ladies in book club. Cris touched so many lives, family & friends. She will be sorely missed but never forgotten. The family will receive visitors at Woody Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 20, 2013 from 5:00 – 8:00pm at the Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Rd. Richmond, VA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Thursday, November 21, 2013 at 11:00am with a reception to follow. Graveside services are private. The family asks that in lieu of flowers; please support The Massey Cancer Center of Richmond, VA. Donations in memory of Christine Chilton can be made online at https://www.support.vcu.edu/give/Massey or mailed to VCU Massey Cancer Center, P.O. Box 843042, Richmond, VA 23284. Condolences may be left at www.woodyfuneralhomeparham.com.