01/02/2026
Era Fran “Fran” Christie (née Ball), age 73, passed away on December 26, 2025, in Jackson, Mississippi. She was born on May 17, 1952, in Natchez, Mississippi, and lived a life marked by devotion to her family, her community, and her many passions.
Fran attended Natchez-Adams High School and went on to build a diverse and meaningful career. She worked as a banker and loan officer at Ascension Credit Union in Gonzales, Louisiana until she and her husband, Roy, moved to Natchez to open Christie’s Chevron. After her husband Roy died, Fran worked with abused and neglected children at the Sunshine Shelter in Natchez. She continued her commitment to the community by becoming a deputy with the Adams County Sheriff’s Department, where she proudly served until her retirement in 2021.
Fran was a longtime member of Community Chapel Church in Natchez, Mississippi. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she found joy in worship and fellowship with her church family. Fran was also a cancer survivor and proudly volunteered with the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, offering hope and support to others. She also served as a volunteer firefighter for The Adams County Fire Service.
Outside of work, Fran embraced life with enthusiasm. An avid outdoorswoman and adventurer at heart, she loved fishing and riding motorcycles. She also enjoyed traveling, reading, and listening to music, and had recently learned to play the piano. Fran always had a passion for animals, adopting many strays, and raising and training Boston Terriers and other small dogs throughout her life. Above all else, she cherished time spent with her family, especially her many grandchildren.
She is lovingly remembered by her sons: George Christie and his wife, Kate, and their children, Zoe and Miles of Birmingham, Alabama; and Chad Christie and his partner, Danielle Saxon, and their children, Austen, Kai, Caden, Kara, Cole, Camilla, and Kaylani, all of Prairieville, Louisiana. She is also survived by a special niece, Charlene Ball Ford of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; one brother, Richard Spencer Lee Ball Jr. of Ponchatoula, Louisiana; and many other beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Fran was preceded in death by her parents, Richard Spencer Lee Ball and Julia Mae Liddell Ball; her husband, Roy Henry Christie, her brother, William “Butch” Ball Sr.; her sister, Eunice Angeline Ball Whittington Drane; and her cherished granddaughter, Coraline Julia Christie.
A graveside service will be held on January 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 106 Morgantown Road. It will be officiated by her dear friend and minister, Bo Swilley, of Community Chapel Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society.
Honorary Pallbearers: The family wishes to honor the following individuals for their love and support: Dennis Engel of Lincoln, Nebraska; Chuck Davis of Little Rock, Arkansas; Delayne Bush of Shreveport, Louisiana, and Robin LaForge of West Monroe, Louisiana.
Era Fran “Fran” Christie will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. May her memory bring comfort and peace to those whose lives she touched.
