Miriam Joann Butts Christopher, 82 of Savannah Georgia, passed away on Saturday, June 24th, surrounded by her family.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, James Jackson Christopher; 2 sons Todd and Michael (Angie) Christopher of Athens; daughter Diane Robinson of Birmingham; 8 grandchildren Bailee, Annaliese, Dylan, Brittnee, Leanna, Brennon, Jack, and Claire; 9 great-grandchildren Kylie, Baylor, Paige, Maggie, Rosie, Maci, Raegen, Braiden, and June.
She is preceded in death by her birth mother, Louverna Mangrum; adopted parents Irma Lee and Henry Prather Butts; her brother H.P. Butts Jr., Lou Butts Mcnally (Don); and her second born James Nelson Christopher.
Funeral services will be at Limestone Chapel on June 28th, 2023 at 2pm with Dusty Mclemore officiating. Visitation will be on June 27th, from 5:30-8pm. Burial will be at Athens City Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Dylan Christopher, Brennon Christopher, Jack Robinson, Jason Lebarron, Ben Poole, and Rob Watson.
Joann and Jimmy met in 1958 at a Dairy Queen in Brunswick, Georgia, where Joann worked. Jimmy was stationed there with the Navy for 2 years.
They fell in love and married on October 11th, 1959 and moved back to Athens in December 1960 after Jimmy left service.
They ran a successful business, Christopher Tire Service, for 30 years and raised 3 sons and a daughter who they always loved unconditionally.
Joann was always an active volunteer and took great pride in her work with recycling programming and awareness. She was involved in clean community; organizing several cleanups at the Elk River where she and Jimmy lived for 16 years before moving back to Athens.
She never met a stranger and made everyone feel like part of the family. She was a wonderful wife, mother, friend, and caretaker of the Earth. She will be missed very much.
In lieu of flowers, make donations to KALB (Keep Athens Limestone Beautiful) or church of choice.
