Edna Mae Christian was born September 4, 1939 in Howe, Texas to Jason Ernest Hood and Lola Katherine Campbell Hood. She passed away on March 9, 2023 in Sherman, Texas at the age of 83 years. She fought a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease and dementia. Through it all she kept her faith, sense of humor and smile.
Edna married Don Harold Campbell on November 20, 1958 in Whitewright, Texas. He preceded her in death on December 15, 1978 at the age of 39 after a long battle with cancer, leaving her with two small children to raise alone. She later married Ralph Lee Christian on August 6, 1983 in Whitewright, Texas. He preceded her in death on August 13, 2010.
Edna was the youngest of her 4 sisters and they always referred to her as “the baby”. Edna graduated from Whitewright High School where she was selected “Homecoming Queen” her senior year. Throughout her life and well into adulthood she continued to look to her sisters for advice and many times was given it whether she ask for it or not. Edna’s dream job was always to be a secretary in a bank. Instead, she found her work family at Pettit’s Grocery Store in Whitewright where she made many friends and always greeted you with a smile. Edna wasn’t afraid of hard work and could often be found driving the tractor with Ralph following behind her or in a field cutting hay until dark. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, Whitewright and raised both her kids in that church. Edna knew God and knew where she would spend eternity.
Edna was strong and independent and some might say, hard headed. The Hood sisters were known for those traits. Edna was also caring, giving and had a hard time saying no, especially when it came to her family. She always wanted the best for them.
Edna is survived by her daughter, Melinda Baugh of Whitesboro; son, Davin Campbell and his wife, Leticia of Denton; step-son, Gary Christian of Whitewright; grandchildren, Melanie Shores of Littleton CO and Shawn Shores and his wife, Bethany of Whitewright and 2 great-grandchildren, Jax and Piper along with her several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her best friend, Barbara Sanders, who she could always count on for assistance in her later years anytime she needed it. She is preceded in death by her husbands, Don Campbell and Ralph Christian; parents, Ernest Hood and Lola Hood; son-in-law, Paul Baugh, great-grandson, Cruz Shores, brother, Percy Tracy and infant brother, Jessie Hood; sisters, Nina Barnes, Marie Chism, and Junie Norris.
Edna said these words many times to her family “When the good Lord takes me home, don’t you cry one tear. Have a big party with lots of love and laughter”. A celebration of Edna’s life will be held at a later date.