Elizabeth Reid Christenberry

Mrs. Elizabeth R. Christenberry
Former “First Lady”
Augusta State University

February 11, 1918 - January 5, 2010

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Entered into rest Tuesday January 5, 2010, Mrs. Elizabeth Reid Christenberry, 91, wife of the late Dr. George A. Christenberry. Mrs. Christenberry was a native of Greenville, South Carolina. She graduated from Greenville High School and attended Furman University. In 1937, she married Dr. Christenberry and spent the following 72 years as a loving, compassionate, supportive and nurturing wife, mother and grandmother.

Mrs. Christenberry’s professional life was centered on supporting her husband in his career. She served as a college or university hostess and ambassador of goodwill at these institutions. She was “First Lady” of Shorter College in Rome, Georgia, from 1953 to 1958. She served Furman University as the wife of the Administrative Director and, later, the Vice President for Development. From 1964 to 1970, she was actively involved in supporting functions and community as wife of the Dean of the College at Georgia State College and State University. Finally, from 1970 to 1986, Mrs. Christenberry served as “First Lady” of Augusta College, which is now Augusta State University. As the President’s wife, she contributed significantly to the official entertaining function of the college. She hosted in her home several overnight guest dignitaries, including the mother of a U.S. President, several Georgia governors, and several University System Chancellors. At Augusta College, she took on the personal role of communicating and supporting faculty wives. Mrs. Christenberry’s involvement in the official entertainment, social and community life of all these institutions significantly impacted the colleges where her husband and she served.

Mrs. Christenberry enjoyed civic social activities through the Garden Club in several cities where she lived. Her husband and she were joint contributors to a broad spectrum of charitable and community organizations. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her love of music was notable. She sang in several ensembles in many communities, and specifically enjoyed participating as a soprano in volunteer community productions of “The Messiah” during the Christmas holidays.

Mrs. Christenberry was a member of First Baptist Church of Augusta and a member of the Anna Bannister Sunday School Class. Her love of this community was a priority in her life. She was an active member and supporter of Baptist churches in each of the communities in which she lived. She sang in several church choirs and taught children’s Sunday School classes.

Mrs. Christenberry’s family members include daughter: Becky Christenberry Williams of Augusta; sons: George A. Christenberry, Jr, of Newnan, Georgia, and John Reid Christenberry of Hoschton, Georgia; Eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Preceding Mrs. Christenberry in death was her only sister, Rebecca Reid Simmons, of Jackson, Mississippi.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 9, 2010, at 2:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church of Augusta with the Dr. Jacob Malone officiating. Honorary Pallbearers will be members of Anna Bannister Sunday School Class. Interment will be in the Church Memorial Garden. The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to either First Baptist Church of Augusta, 3500 Walton Way, Augusta, Georgia, 30909, or a charity of choice.

The family will receive friends following the service in the First Baptist Church.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. A guestbook may be signed on our site www.thomaspoteet.com