Christine Saunders Dunaway

Christine S. Dunaway, age 95, of Springfield, Virginia, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones and held in the arms of those who cherished her most.

Christine was married to the late Walter J. Dunaway on November 1, 1947, and they shared a devoted marriage until his passing in 1976. Walter was a wonderful husband and father and proudly served his country as a veteran and war hero of World War II. Together, Christine and Walter built what became her lifelong home in Springfield, Virginia and that meant the world to her. It remained her sanctuary until the age of 94. They were blessed with a close-knit neighborhood filled with dear friends and neighbors who became lifelong companions.

Born and raised in Nathalie, Virginia, Christine was the daughter of the late E. White Saunders and Jerdenia Hancock Saunders. She grew up on a farm as one of seven brothers and sisters, an upbringing that shaped her strong work ethic, resilience, and deep Christian faith—values she carried with her throughout her life.

Christine was a devoted mother and was greatly loved by her children, Patricia Dunaway Garcia (Jaime) and the late Michael and Gary Dunaway. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Chris Garcia (Kristin) and Erica Flanigan (Jason), and she adored her role as great-grandmother to Keeli, a student at Liberty University; Olivia, a high school senior; Luke, in the 9th grade; Sara, in the 4th grade; and Zachary, in the 1st grade.

For many years, Christine worked as a preschool teacher at Kiddie Kollege, a private Christian school in Springfield, Virginia. After the school closed, she continued her career working administratively for the President of Rent-A-Crane in Springfield.

Christine found joy in gospel, country, and classic music; tending to beautiful flowers in her yard; enjoying good food; and savoring the special flavors of the country cooking she grew up with. She loved traveling with her dear friend Dottie and cherished lunches and shopping trips with her good friend Betty Jo. She was known for her love of fashion and her timeless sense of style.

Above all, Christine treasured time spent with her family. She was an incredibly strong woman who faced significant adversity and profound loss throughout her life, including the heartbreaking loss of her husband and her two sons at far too young an age. Despite these tragedies, she met every challenge with grace, resilience, and unwavering faith, continuing to build a full and meaningful life marked by love, laughter, friendship, and devotion to her family. Beautiful, smart, and funny, Christine will be remembered for her warmth, strength, and the deep love she gave to all who knew her.

Christine’s faith was the foundation of her life. She trusted in the Lord through every season, and her quiet strength and gentle spirit reflected that faith daily. She now rests in the eternal peace of God’s promise, reunited with those who went before her. Her legacy lives on in the generations she nurtured and the many lives she touched.

There will be a funeral service Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 1:00p.m. at Falling River Baptist Church with the Rev. Nathan Fair officiating. Interment to follow at the church cemetery. The family will have a visitation one hour prior to the service (12:00 p.m.) at the church.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hendersonfuneral.net.

Henderson Funeral Home and Cremation is assisting the family.