Anita Mae Christensen

Anita Mae Christensen, 76, of Mount Vernon, died at 12:26 a.m. on Feb. 21, 2017, at Mount Vernon Countryside Manor in Mount Vernon. 

She was born on Sept. 13, 1940, in Union County, the daughter of Charles Jackson and Flossie Faith Pendergrass Spurlock.  

She married Gary Kurt Christensen on Oct. 29, 1960, in Jonesboro. They were married for nearly 22 years before he preceded her in death on July 3, 1982.

A graveside service was held Friday, Feb. 24, at 11 a.m. at Casper Cemetery near Anna, with Pastor Mike Gerke officiating. Interment followed.

Survivors include her daughters, Kelly Lemon and husband Todd of Mount Vernon and Kerri Gerke and husband Mike of Mount Vernon; grandchildren Joshua Kortney Allen of Mount Vernon, Seth Grantham Allen of Mount Vernon, Emily Abigail Gerke of Mount Vernon and Elijah Samuel Gerke of Mount Vernon; sisters Shirley Powless of Atlanta, Ga., and Bonnie Dillon and husband Dick of Jonesboro; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gary Christensen; a niece, Sandy Hogan; and a sister, Linda Dunaway.  

She was a member of the Family Life Assembly of God in Mount Vernon. Her family said she was a powerful, intelligent, savvy, sharp-skilled, educated woman who made her own way through life. After the death of her husband, she raised her two daughters alone. 

She was an RN with two additional degrees. She owned a very profitable medical management company. Her laughter and sense of humor was infectious. She taught her girls about business, how to survive and about Jesus. She was a good friend to many and a mother to all. She was encouraging and told everybody that everything would be okay. 

Memorials can be made to Casper Cemetery and can be mailed to Hughey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 721, Mount Vernon, Ill. 62864, which was in charge of arrangements. To leave condolences, visit www.hugheyfh.com.