Leni Edith Anderson Christian

We know that they are celebrating in heaven, but we have a little less light in our world. Leni Edith Anderson Christian passed away painlessly in her sleep on May 6, 2017, in Waco, Texas. Cancer claimed her life, but it never claimed her spirit nor her radiant smile, which all who knew Leni loved about her. A reception will be held 5:00-7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 11, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home in Waco. A family burial will be held in College Station, to place Leni beside her mother and father at the Memorial Cemetery of College Station. The memorial service will follow at Brazos Meadows Baptist Church in Hewitt, Texas, at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 12. Leni grew up in Port Arthur, Texas, and went to high school with Janis Joplin, a fact that she loved to tell friends. She would recount vivid memories of Janis sitting on the front steps of the school draped in colorful boas and playing her zither. Her parents were Clara Bell Anderson and Harold Arvin Anderson. In her high school years, Leni was crowned Cavoilcade Queen in Port Arthur. She graduated from Baylor University, where she was a Baylor Beauty, and married Michael John Henke in 1966. They lived in Alexandria, Virginia, for all of their 40 years together. Kind hearted and full of joy, Leni was a doting mother to her three children, Blake, Paige and Britt. She chose to stay at home with her kids, rather than to work outside the home. She was an incredible mother, and her children were the center of her world. She was at every school and sporting event and volunteered with many school activities, including Cub Scouts, Brownies, as well as music and art classes. She even drove Paige’s high school lacrosse team from Virginia to Florida, a trip that most certainly tested her maternal dedication and patience. She was an accomplished piano player and led the children’s choir at church for many years. She also taught piano lessons and played carols at annual Christmas parties. Leni had a deep love for the family farm near Hume, Virginia, and she would often retreat there for weekends and summers. One of her favorite things to do was to ride around the farm by herself in the evenings on her four-wheel ATV. For a time, she had horses there, and enjoyed trail rides on the nearby Marriot Ranch. She loved antiques and going antiquing. Leni was active at her church, attending Bible study and prayer retreats regularly. She made 29 trips to Israel, bringing donated items and spreading the word of Jesus to anyone who would listen. Near and dear to her heart, this work was a true expression of her Christian faith. She felt at home in Israel. Based on the reactions she received, it seemed to her family that Leni had an invisible sign that said to complete strangers, “I can help!” And help she did! After her divorce from Michael Henke in 2008, Leni moved to College Station. She was reacquainted with Dr. Robert Christian, whom she had known 40 years before at Baylor University. Love quickly blossomed and they were married. Leni and Robert had a wonderful life together in Waco until her passing. Leni is survived by her husband of nine years, Dr. Robert Christian; three grown children, Blake, Paige, and Britt; four grandchildren, Wyatt, Brooks, Carter, and Jake; her brother, Swiki Anderson and wife, Judy, and their children, Ryan and Jeremy, and their grandchildren, Kira, Kai, and Cohen. Leni is also survived by step-son, Bryan Christian and wife, Angela, and their children, Gus and Zach. We thank Providence Hospice, Interim Care, and a special thanks to Arlene Loredo, and Janie Compian for lovingly caring for mom in her final days. Memorials can be given to a charity of your choice. Peace be on earth. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.