Christine Leah Wanner

Christine Leah Wanner, 54, passed away Saturday, May 23, 2026, at her home surrounded by her husband and three children. She was born on December 23, 1971, in Washington, D.C. to her parents, John and Kathy O’Neal. Christine studied elementary education at Cedarville University where she made sweet memories with many friends. She then began her teaching career at Grace Brethren Christian School where she met the love of her life and husband Paul. After getting married, Christine and Paul moved to Winston Salem, North Carolina where she continued to teach at Center Grove Christian Academy, Calvary Baptist Day School and, most recently, Bolton Elementary School. She loved building sweet friendships with her coworkers and pouring the love of Jesus into each of her students. She had a heart for people and was always full of joy and ready to be an encouragement to others. In her free time, Christine enjoyed reading, watching shows and movies with her family, cooking and baking, and had recently started crocheting. Even throughout her cancer diagnosis and treatment, Christine was known for her positive outlook, radiant smile and reliance on the Lord. Through these, she shone the Light of Jesus to everyone who was blessed to meet her. Her main desire was that people would grow closer to Jesus through seeing her walk with Him. She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Paul Michael Wanner; son, Cade Austin Wanner (Rebekah); daughter, Cara Leah Wanner; son, Cavin O’Neal Wanner; grandson, George O’Neal Wanner; grandson on the way, Henry Barnabas Wanner; her parents, John and Kathy O’Neal; two sisters, Jennifer McCrea (Wade) and Kelly Bruffy (Steve); also surviving are several nieces and nephews and her mother-in-law, Eileen Wanner. 

A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held at 4:00 PM Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Center Grove Church with Pastor Mitch Monroe officiating. There will be a viewing at 3 PM and a short viewing after. Flowers will be accepted or memorial donations may be made to the Leiomyosarcoma Support and Direct Research Foundation at https://www.lmsdr.org/donate .