Sarah Parker Christian's Obituary
Sarah Parker Christian “Sally” died on Friday, October 12, 2018 at her home in Ashburn, Virginia. She was 58. Sally died of complications from alcoholism.
Sally was born Sarah Elaine Parker in Sacramento, California in June of 1960. Her parents were Brook and Bunny Parker of Sussex County, Virginia. Sally graduated from high school in 1978 and went to James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. She received both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis on computer programming and systems analysis. In 1983, Sally’s combination of business management and computer skills helped her land her first job with The Wyatt Company in Washington D.C. She stayed at Wyatt until leaving in 1995. Sally’s second career position began in 1998 when she was hired by MITRE Corporation in McLean, Virginia. Over the course of her 19 years at MITRE, Sally directed the implementation of many system enhancements and projects, eventually rising to the position of Associate Tech Director. Sally took early retirement in 2017 and spent her last two years at home in Ashburn.
In 1985, Sally met Gary Christian. On November 9, 1990, Sally and Gary were married at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Alexandria. They started their family in Alexandria with the birth of twin boys, John and Steven, in 1992. Four years later, they had their third child, Cora, who was born in June 1996. The family moved to Ashburn, Virginia in 1999. They have lived there ever since. John received a bachelor’s degree in music from VCU and Steven a bachelor’s degree in music from Radford University. Cora received her bachelor’s degree in Photography and Film from VCU School of the Arts. The children all live and work in the Richmond area.
Sally had three great loves in her life, aside from Gary. She loved her parents and siblings and the farm she grew up on, she loved her children, and Sally loved her garden. She was a woman who was comfortable being herself, allowing others to be themselves, and Sally found great joy in the accomplishments of those she worked with and in everything her children did.
Sally was truly a modern woman. She gracefully moved between her role as a nurturing wife and mother and one as an intelligent, driven, and successful work professional. Her skills as a project manager and the love and support she provided her family will be missed deeply.
Sally’s father, Grover Brooking Parker, passed away on January 29, 2003. Her mother, Bernadine Elaine Parker “Bunny” passed away on October 15, 2015.
Sally is survived by her husband, Gary Christian and their children John Brydson Christian, Steven Parker Christian and Cora Lynn Christian.
Her brother, Brook Parker, his wife Betty, their daughter Marylee and her children Tyler and Logan, and daughter Carey, her husband Pat and their child Parker. Sally’s older sister Mary Majka, her husband Steve, and their three children Nick, Andrew, and Danielle, and Nick’s wife Brittney and their three children Callie, Ian and Tessa. Sally’s younger sister Becky Snead, her husband Rob and their son Robert.
Gary’s mother Madge Christian and his father and stepmother Lynn and Carol Christian, and Gary’s brother Jeff Christian and his wife June.
For all friends, family, work associates, and others, there will be an Evening of Remembrance of Sally, Thursday, October 25 from 7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. in the Great Room of Our Savior’s Way Lutheran Church, 43115 Waxpool Road, Ashburn, VA 20148.
For family only, a Committal Service of Sally’s ashes will be in the Prayer Garden of Our Savior’s Way Lutheran Church on Friday, October 26.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.
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