Christa Lynn Kendrick
Christa Lynn Kendrick, 50, a veteran law enforcement officer, died Dec. 11 at her Atlanta home after a courageous battle with melanoma.
Born in Columbus, Ga., Christa graduated from Thomson High School in 1986 and then studied at the University of Georgia. She received her bachelor’s degree from the College of Charleston. She went on to graduate from the DeKalb County Police Department’s 49th Academy.
Christa proudly served her community as a police officer, working 10 years with the DeKalb County Police Department as an officer and detective, followed by 13 years as an investigator for the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office.
Christa loved spending time with family and friends, and always found a way to make a special connection with everyone she met. Always impeccably dressed with spotless sassy shoes, Christa had a southern grace and kindness unsurpassed. She also was a master prankster and had a contagious laugh and beautiful smile that will be missed more than anything. Christa enjoyed travel, adventure, Atlanta Falcons football and sharing a cold beer with friends.
Christa is preceded in death by her beloved mother, Patricia “Molly” Lokey, her grandparents and brother Travis Kendrick. She is survived by wife, Paula “Mexico Murph” Dowell; father, Walter “Bubba” Kendrick and wife Kay; stepfather, Walter Lokey; sisters, Susan “Toodie” Schuenemann and husband Robert “Baldy,” and Angie Sewell and husband Dewayne; brothers Larry “Boobalooba” Kendrick and partner Margie Carter, and Barry “Boomba” Kendrick and partner Angie Burdette; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of life will be held in January, 2019. In lieu of flowers, Christa and the family request donations be made to Christa’s Melanoma Research Memorial Fund (https://www.gofundme.com ) to support melanoma research and patients at Emory University’s Winship Cancer Institute.
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My condolences and prayers for you all during this time of immediate grief as well as during the times to come. God Bless.
Thank you misti
One the most beautiful, charming, genuine and accepting persons I’ve ever known. I love you and will miss you terribly. I will certainly never forget your free spirit. Much love for you….
…..Your Bunny Baldy….
One the most beautiful, charming, genuine and accepting persons I’ve ever known. I love you and will miss you terribly. I will certainly never forget your free spirit. Much love for you….
…..Your Bunky Baldy….
I love you very much Christa. You have been a great sister & a great aunt to Tyler.
There are so many great memories. I am a better person for having you in my life. Til I see you again…..
Love will always win ❤
So, so sorry to hear your sister lost the battle. I never met her, but know that she was fiercely loved by you two: Robert and Susan.
All blessings and compassion to your family at this difficult time. She is in peace, and out of pain now, and I hope you will hurt less knowing she is in a better place.
Thank you so very much Cindee. She was everything and will be forever missed. Appreciate you.
So very sorry for the loss your your daughter and sister. Remembering you in prayer
Susan, I remember how fondly you spoke your Dear Sister, Christa! I’m praying for you Susan, your Dad, Baldy, Christa’s Wife and your entire family. Please know I’m here if you need a hug or just to talk! May you be at Peace somehow, knowing Christa is free of any and all ailments! God Bless and be with you all at this difficult time! Love You Susan! Maureen
Maureen you are so sweet. It’s so nice to have people who are so supportive and empathetic. Love and appreciate your prayers.
Praying for family and friends. Christa’s beautiful soul will be deeply missed.
Thank you Ash. So sweet.
Prayers lifted! So very sorry for your loss!
Thank you Amy. Miss her so deeply. Always will.
Wishing you peace in this difficult time.
Our hearts are forever broken . Her love of life and family was so great. Her humor and love of pranks will be greatly missed . Until we are all together again, we love you so much, Christa . We know you are in Gods care now with no more pain or sickness
Missing you, your smile, and infectious humor, especially on the dreary days of winter- rest in peace sweet Christa. My prayers and love go out to all those whose lives were touched by Christa’s beautiful soul.
So sorry for your loss. I hope you find strength in your memories. Thoughts and prayers for all of you.
Prayers for the family and friends. You will be missed.
I worked with Christa in the Gwinnett District Attorney’s Office for a few years. She was a dedicated investigator who knew her job and did it well. She was also a trusted member of that office family and everyone cared for her and were saddened by her health struggles. Thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. Rest easy my friend.
That’s a very nice tribute to Christa. I will miss her very much.
Mr. Walter, Susan, Barry, Larry, Ivan, Paula and Family,
Christa was truly one of my best friends, ten years younger than I and like a little sister to me. I spent the day with her, Paula and friends Nov 10th and got to revisit old times and laughs that we had shared together. We had made so many memories together.
Christa was a very special person, always sincere and honest with me. I’ll never forget her! Ever!
Our friend song was “Leon on Me” by Bill Withers and I sang it to her the last time I saw her.
“Sometimes in our lives we all have pain, we all have sorrow, but if we are wise, we know that there’s always tomorrow.
Leon on me, when you’re not strong, and I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on, for it won’t be long, til I’m need somebody to lean on.
Please swallow your pride, If I have things you need to borrow, for no one can fill those of your needs, that you won’t let show,
You just call on me brother / sister when you need a hand, we all need somebody to lean on, I just might have a problem that you’ll understand, we all need somebody to lean on.
Lean on me when you’re not strong, and I am your friend, I’ll help you carry on, for it won’t be long til I’m gonna need somebody to lean on.”
And Christa was always there for me to lean on and I for her. She always gave me sound advice that helped me thru situations that only a true friend can give. She gave one of the most important things in life, she gave of herself to others.
I love you my friend Christa and think of you everyday!
Cyndi (Pallet)
Thank you sweet Pallet. She loved and adored you and I will never forget the great times I got to share you with you two- starting with your 50th birthday party. Love, Paula
Paula, Susan and Family,
The Celebration of Life and Reception for Christa was awesome! She would be so proud!
So many people, friends, family, co-workers……. It was one of the nicest events I have ever attended.
The nicest tributes to Christa for a life well led, she was the real deal!
Love you all and will always carry Christa in my heart… Her sweet spirit is all around us!
Cyndi – Pallet
Thank you sweet Pallet for your sweet words and for being such a dear friend to Christa. She loved you very much. So do I.
So glad my friend lived a full life and was loved. I will miss you always CK! 💕
Missing my best friend and my Loon. Life is not as bright or shiny without you. You will forever be the rhythm of my heart.
Paula, Susan and Family,
The Celebration of Life and Reception for Christa was awesome! She would be so proud!
So many people, friends, family, co-workers……. It was one of the nicest events I have ever attended.
The nicest tributes to Christa for a life well led, she was the real deal!
Love you all and will always carry Christa in my heart… Her sweet spirit is all around us!
Cyndi – Pallet
Will never forget you my dear friend Christa,
Not a week goes by that I always think of you. Miss you so much and you are in my heart and on my mind. I know your sweet spirit is all around us.
You were so full of life!
Love you always and forever!
Cyndi
(Pallet)
There was never a more thoughtful wonderful person than this lady and so strong. She is inspiration to us all for what a person should be. She was never afflicted with the lower emotions associated with jealousy, anger, prejudice, and never assumed anything. Somehow with a generous and understanding heart she stood independently, and independently will stand remaining in all of the persons and souls she came in contact with. I am so terribley sorry I didn’t know this happened. But Im atleast glad I accidently remembered her cell phone number to call and tell her what I needed to say which was that I missed her friendship since she was the best person I ever knew.
My dear Christa, I think of you all the time and miss you so much! I had lunch with a friend yesterday and the restaurant was playing our song, Lean On Me. I felt like you were there with me. I love you always! Pallet