Christina Kay Talley, 67, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021, at her home.
She was born on Nov. 19, 1953, in Wabash County, Illinois, the daughter of Dwight and Joyce (Peach) Talley. Chris married Chuck Pixley on June 30, 1989, and together they enjoyed thirty-two years of marriage.
Chris will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and a friend to many. She was brilliant, funny and kind. She loved fiercely and gave of herself freely.
Her compassion knew no boundaries. She extended a loving hand to all, and her empathy endeared her to anyone who had the privilege to know her. Always curious and eager to learn, she was a woman of many talents, a woman of beauty and grace, and hers was a life well-lived, a life full of love and tenderness.
Those traits extended to her dedicated work as a school psychologist as she served more than thirty years at two different special education cooperatives: Wabash Ohio Valley Special Education District and Gibson Pike Warrick Special Educational Cooperative.
Professionally, Chris was a tireless advocate for special needs children and a natural psychologist. She loved spending time researching her many passions, had a very progressive way of thinking and, as such, enriched the lives of many.
Chris made sure her home was always open to those in need, and all who entered felt welcomed and loved, a trait her children have always admired and emulated in their own lives.
She loved living on Cherry Street and took joy in decorating her home for Halloween with her husband.
Chris’ favorite place on earth was Sanibel Island, Florida. She treasured time spent there with her beloved family, and she found peace in sitting on the beach, always keeping an eye out for unique shells to bring home. She loved animals, and her cats especially brought her great joy. In her free time, she enjoyed reading a good book and knitting.
Chris was an endless source of comfort, strength, and wisdom to her family and friends, and her absence from their physical lives will leave a painful void.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Chuck Pixley; daughter, Sarah (Sawyer) Hager and her husband, Glenn; a step-daughter, Kristen (Pixley) Seymore and her husband, Chris; step-sons, Nathan Pixley and his wife, Heidi, and Luke Pixley; grandchildren, Hudson Talley, Brody Thomas, Aria Lynn, Elliot Michael and Claire Lynne; her mother, Joyce Talley; a brother, Kevin Talley; a bonus son, Trevor Sawyer, and a niece, April Kroll.
Chris was preceded in death by her father; a granddaughter, Zoe Elizabeth; and a sister-in-law, Angie Talley.
Graveside services will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 10, at Highland Memorial Cemetery with Pastor Terry Weavil officiating. A visitation will be held at Highland Memorial Cemetery from 10:30-11 a.m. prior to the start of the service.
Social distancing and the wearing of face coverings is recommended for those in attendance.
Memorial contributions may be made in Chris’ memory to Safe Haven. Envelopes will be at the service or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 N. Cherry St., Mt. Carmel, IL, 62863.
To view Chris’ tribute wall, leave condolences and purchase flowers for the family, please visit www.KeepesFuneralHome.com.
