Nancy Sue Christou

Nancy passed away peacefully, surrounded with love and family on January 15th, 2025, at the age of 77, from a brief, courageous struggle with cancer. She was born on November 6th,1947 in Atlanta, Georgia to Jeanette and George Henderson. She was a loving wife, a caring mother, and a kind hearted Grandma, Grammie, and Gigi. A blessed mother in law, a close sister, an adoring aunt, a loyal sister in law, and a dear friend. 

Nancy is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Nick, their four children, Angela Bader (Todd), Cindy Murray (Blane), Jennifer Wood (Rick), Nicholas Christou (Allison), two sisters, Joann Usry (husband Kenneth, deceased) of Midlothian TX; Patty Barnhorn (Tony) of Acworth GA. Her ten grandchildren, Christopher Bader (Natalie), Chase Bader (Nicole), Charlie Bader, Connor Bader, Charissa Shatanoff (Ian), Tanner Murray (Claudia), Brittani Conolty (Cameron), Trenton Christou, Atticus Christou, and Merritt Christou; as well as her five great grandchildren, Jamison, Ainsley, Emory, Summer, and London Grace. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jeanette Henderson and George Henderson and her brother Bob Henderson. 

Nancy was an encourager. She always viewed the glass as half full. She was a listener. She would spend hours talking with her family and friends relishing their everyday stories. She was a lover of music. She and Nick spent hours together listening to all of the greats, as well as new artists while attending concerts near and far. She was a fan of nature. Warm air and sunny skies were the best. Her favorite flower was the Daffodil. Nick brought them to her often. They symbolize joy and happiness, and hope when things feel difficult.

Nancy never met a stranger. She could read a room and connect with that one person to strike up a wonderful conversation, with her warm welcoming smile. And when that happened, time was non existent. Kindness towards others was her strength. 

On her best day ever, you could find Nancy combing a sandy beach for shark's teeth and colorful shells, her feet drifting in and out from the shoreline as if she were a sandpiper, searching for treasures. Saturating that last bit of warmth on her shoulders, while the sun silently slipped away, beyond the sea. 

Nancy's family was the most significant to her. Holidays were top priority. She never forgot a "happy birthday" message or a thoughtful card or gift. Her pineapple nut cakes were always delicious. Her apple pies and homemade noodles were a gift to us all, made with her tender hands.

In her quieter times, Nancy loved to paint. She was a self taught "true folk artist" capturing amazing lighthouses from all over Michigan, and many vibrant Christmas scenes as well. Her endearing angels and family portraits will be cherished forever. 

She was a traveler, a world traveler too. Nancy spent countless hours with her husband Nick, seeing every bit of beauty across the United States. No stone was left unturned. Florida, Michigan, Colorado, California, and Georgia were some of her favorites and most traveled. 

It was not uncommon for Nancy, with two hour notice, to "pop in" to visit her scattered family members and close friends along those routes. Connection was key, no matter the distance. 

Nancy embraced her role as a Grandma, Grammie, and Gigi to her ten grandchildren and her five great grandchildren. Her love for each of them, reflected in her eyes, and in her comforting hugs. They each brought her so much happiness and joy. She was thrilled to hear about their lives and all of their many accomplishments. She would leave with, "A hug and a kiss, until we see you again". 

Nancy and Nick spent years working side by side in the restaurant business. Serving up savory family recipes to numerous patrons, and the freshest seafood around. Some of their most memorable times together were spent around their own dinner table. With their large family and extensive friendships too. A true crowded table, filled with bliss and laughter and lengthy conversations, well into the evening hours. 

Nancy left each of us with a tribute of a poem, that she had printed years ago. These reassuring words will guide us to remember her often, and to reflect upon her beautiful smile in the biggest moments, but mostly in the small quieter moments of everyday life. 

Until we meet again - With Love

The Afterglow by Helen Lowrie Marshall

I'd like the memory of me

To be a happy one

I'd like to leave an afterglow

Of smiles when life is done.

I'd like to leave an echo whispering

Softly down the ways. 

Of happy times and laughing times,

And bright and sunny days.

I'd like the tears of those who grieve

To dry before the sun

Of happy memories that I leave

When life is done. 

A Celebration of Nancy's life is being planned in Her Honor.

Remembrances can be made to:

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Memphis TN.