Twyla Christiansen

Twyla Loretha Christiansen, 86, passed away quietly into the presence of her Lord on the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 27, at her daughter’s home in Bryan, Texas.

She was born Feb. 5, 1938, near Lanett, Alabama, to the Rev. James Wilburn and Loretha Acree McCollough. She was named after Twyla Ludwig, a missionary to Africa, and after her mother, Loretha. According to her mother, she began to pray very early and had faith in prayer. This faith in prayer remained throughout her life. She had wonderful memories of her childhood and family and enjoyed growing up as a pastor’s daughter.

Twyla later attended Anderson College in Anderson, Indiana, where she received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education, and also met and married her beloved Roger Christiansen on April 14, 1962. Their marriage was one of her greatest delights, and together they raised three children and ministered in several churches and in many other ways. She loved being a pastor’s wife and also brought joy to many through her gifted piano playing. She loved people and was a good listener who sincerely wanted to know about, care about and pray for those with whom she came in contact. “Sweet” seemed to be a common word to describe her. She found pleasure in little things and liked to go shopping, read, watch television, travel, eat good food and spend time with the people she loved! She had a great smile!

Twyla was a wonderful mother and homemaker, giving much of her life to raising and caring for her family. Her children always knew they were loved, cared for and valued! She went on to have 12 grandchildren with whom she shared many happy memories and who loved her deeply. She later welcomed and enjoyed 15 great-grandchildren and heard the announcement of two more on the way!

Twyla had a simple, sincere, bold faith in Christ that she clung to throughout her days. The loss of her husband in 2020 brought a deep sorrow into her life, and she went on to suffer in various ways, but she continued to have faith and to believe in the God who “works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28) As those who were with her during this time could attest, God continued to work through her, and many lives were touched right up to her last days. To God be the glory!

Twyla is survived by two daughters, Valerie Gail (Mark) Ramsey of Cape Girardeau and Angela Ruth (Sean) McDeavitt of Bryan; one son, Paul Keith (Niki) Christiansen of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; one brother, James Nathan (Robin) McCollough of Birch Tree; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Wallace McCollough; and her husband, the Rev. Roger Christiansen.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service Friday, Sept. 6, at Crain Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 6, at the funeral home. Interment will follow at the Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery.