John Willie (“Jake”) Christon, 78, of New Haven departed peacefully from this earthly world on November 3. John was born June 9, 1942 in Sparta, GA to the late Frances Lawrence.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Matthew 5:4
As a small child, he was adopted by Julia Mae Culver and Sammie Christon whom he accepted as his mother and father.
John was raised in Mount Dora, FL, where he also attended his early years in public school. He continued his education in Eustis Vocational High School, Florida and graduated in 1962. After high school, he took some post graduate courses.
He began working as a seasonal worker in the hotel industry in Florida and New Hampshire. It was in New Hampshire, where he met his wife Wilhemenia Reaves Chrriston, whom he married in 1966 and later moved to Ansonia.
John was a lover of music and had a desire to own his own business, he and a good friend opened Music Haven, a record store in Ansonia. He also held membership in the Magicians Club and the James H. Wilkins Lodge, #9. Further, he held numerous positions; among them were B.F. Goodrich Rubber, American Brass, United Illuminating and Century Collection Agency, from which he retired.
John leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife Wilhemenia, of fifty-four years; daughter Charita (Samuel) Padilla; sons, Duane Wall of Orlando, FL, Dana (Brunillda) Samuel of New Haven and Aaron Rogers of New Haven; his grandchildren Samuel J Padilla, Aaliyah N. Padilla, Dana M. Samuel, and Aaron Rogers Jr. Additionally, he leaves siblings; Julia M. Foster, Willie Francis Lawrence, Cora Frances Lawrence, Marie Lawrence, Willie Clarence Lawrence, Edward Lawrence and Thomas Lawrence. He also leaves three sisters-in-laws and two brothers-in-laws. Others who will miss him dearly are countless nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
