Christina Rose Cissna Broxson

Christina Rose Cissna Broxson, fondly known as Chris or Christina, 89, died peacefully at home in Gulf Breeze, surrounded by family, prayer, and love. Her only surviving sister, Frances Cissna Butler, Paul’s Valley, OK was by her side. Chris was born on October 16, 1935 to Reverend JR and Elizabeth Cissna in Oklahoma City, OK, the oldest of three daughters. Chris would tell you that until her daddy got a pastorate in Tulsa, OK she had been in 13 different schools. When she arrived in Tulsa, it finally felt like home and she made many lifelong friends there. Chris was raised in church and gave her life to Jesus at an early age, passionately serving the church in Children’s Ministry throughout her life. She graduated from Central High School in 1953, that same year enrolling at Southwestern Bible College of the Assemblies of God, Waxahachie, Texas. While there she met the love of her life, John R. Broxson, who

she married on June 4, 1954. The greatest pride in her life were her 5 children: Sylvia Shepard (Scott), John Robert-Bob (Robin), Cheryl Gradone (JP), Bart James (Dayna), Angela Strange (Rick). Her fifteen grandchildren who brought her much joy:: Carmen Gradone Bailey (Shawn Nelson), Emily Shepard Smith (Jaye), John Paul Gradone, Jr.(Stephanie), Stacey Shepard Kang (EunSung), Theo Broxson (Kim), Pierce Gradone (Lindsey), Elizabeth Strange, Kelsey Shepard Triolo (Anthony), Bart James Broxson, Jr., (Erin) Claire Broxson Frisby(Cameron), Eleanor Gradone Walker (Andrew), Andrew Broxson (Karlee), Gina Gradone Napoli (Brendan), Daniel Strange, Gerrod Broxson (Brittany) and twenty-five great grandchildren: Ryan, Gavin, Declan, Moses, Jonah, Malachi, Emilia, Harrison, Hallie, Adeline, William, Emily, Corban, Liliana, Micah, Samuel, Josiah, John Mark, Ephraim, Peter, Kylie Beth, Everlee, Winston, Alana, Mia. In addition to family, she also had an extensive professional life being involved in every aspect of the Insurance and Real Estate Businesses. She worked side by side with her husband in their combined dedication to public service while simultaneously juggling family life and a multitude of responsibilities. Family meant everything to her. She loved her husband’s family as her own, much

like the Bible story of Ruth and Naomi. She was committed to her numerous nieces and nephews and loved them dearly. Chris is preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, John R. Broxson, her parents, Rev. J. R. and Elizabeth Cissna, Daughter, Angela Christina Broxson Strange, her sister, Peggy Mae Cissna Heim, Daughter in law Dayna Bailey Broxson (wife of Bart James). She leaves behind brother-in-law, Senator Doug Broxson and his wife, Mary and their 4 children. Doug was like a son to Chris and John, Doug and Mary’s children, Julie, Jason, Judd, and Jill were like her own grandchildren; A multitude of beloved nieces and nephews (and greats), sisters-in-law: Annice Webb, Altha Sullivan, and Patricia Norwood; her best friends: Connie Strange and Janice Anderson and Janice’s grandchild, Keimonii Davis. Special recognition is given to Cheryl and JP Gradone, for their loving care of Chris for the past 14 months and to Hospice of Emerald Coast Staff and Nurses, who cared for and loved Chris until the end.