Mary Chrstine Hicks Kline

Mary Christine Hicks Kline, 85, passed away Saturday November 26, 2011 in Hospice care at Emory Hospital after a series of medical problems. Chris was born in New York City to Charles and Jessie Hicks and spent much of her childhood in Texas. She graduated from Texas Women's University in 1946. She next attended Princeton Theological Seminary where she received a Masters in Religious Education in 1950. It was at Princeton that she met and then married C. Benton (Ben) Kline. Chris worked as the Director of Christian Education at First Congregational Church in West Hartford, CT from 1950 to 1951. She then moved to Decatur in 1951 when her husband accepted a position at Agnes Scott College. While Chris primarily worked as a homemaker and mother, she also served as an assistant teacher at Decatur Presbyterian Church from 1963 to 1964. Later, she developed an interest in library work and attended the Atlanta University School of Library Science where she received her Masters in Library Science in 1973. She was employed as a librarian with the City Schools of Decatur at Oakhurst and Glennwood Elementary schools, retiring in 1980. These paid positions represented only a fraction of the many activities in which Chris was involved. As a faculty spouse, first at Agnes Scott College and later at Columbia Theological Seminary, she was very active in many ways at both institutions. This was especially true during the years when Ben served as President at Columbia. Chris was always active in the churches where she worshipped. Several Presbyterian churches in the Atlanta area had their libraries organized and enhanced through her efforts. This brief list of activities barely touches on Chris' influence and help to her family and her many friends. She was greatly respected and admired for her dedication, hard work, and humility. Chris and Ben enjoyed 61 years together before his death in June of this year. Chris is survived by a sister, Margie Logan of California; a son, John B. Kline and his wife Mary; a daughter, Mary Martha Riviere and her husband Kenneth; four granddaughters, one grandson, and four great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends Friday, December 9th from 5 to 7 PM at A.S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home in Decatur. There will be a memorial service at North Decatur Presbyterian Church on Saturday, December 10th at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to North Decatur Presbyterian Church.

Funeral Home:
A. S. Turner & Sons
2773 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033