Christine Viola 'Chris' (Cunningham) Sowell

Christine V. Sowell, 80, triumphantly transitioned to her new life Thursday morning, April 6, 2017, at Kobacker House in Columbus, Ohio. She was born May 29, 1936 in Winchester, KY. Her family later moved to Dayton, Ohio, where she graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1954. Christine attended The Ohio State University where she met the love of her life, Sylvester Sowell, and later married on July 21, 1956. They shared over 60 wonderful years together. She was a member of Second Baptist Church, The Sophisticates Inc., the Twin Rivers Chapter of The Links Inc., and served on the Board of Directors for the Community Kitchen, Inc. For these and many other acts of volunteerism and service, Christine was inducted into the Central Ohio Senior Citizen Hall of Fame in 2006. Christine was employed by the federal government (the former Defense Construction Supply Center) where she retired after 35 years of service. She is survived by her husband Sylvester Sowell; daughter Darlene Sowell; son Kevin (Terrie) Sowell; granddaughter Lauren (Jarrett) Tufts; grandson Vincent Sowell; great grandson Jaxon Tufts; daughter-in-law Vanessa Sowell; niece Denise Cunningham; and a host of cousins, extended family, and friends. Celebration of Life 11 a.m., Thursday, April 13, 2017 at Second Baptist Church, 186 N. 17th St. Friends may call Wednesday, 3 – 5 p.m., at DIEHL-WHITTAKER FUNERAL SERVICE, 720 E. Long St., and Thursday after 9:30 a.m. at the church where her family will receive friends until the time of service. (The Links Inc. Ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m.) In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Kobacker House, c/o Ohio Health Foundation, 180 E. Broad St., 31st Floor, Columbus, OH 43215, or Second Baptist Church Food Panty, 186 N. 17th St., Columbus, OH 43203.