Christine Gilley

Christine R Gilley (Mrs. E Wayne Gilley), also known as Chris died Jan. 17, 2021, in

Lookout Mountain, GA.  Only child of John William Roseborough and Mabel Means

Roseborough, Christine was born in Chattanooga TN and was a few months away from

her 103 rd birthday upon her death. A graduate of The Bright School, Girls Preparatory School and Randolph Macon Womens College, Christine had a lifelong passion for

learning and was an avid reader. Her favorite poem “A Psalm of Live” by Henry

Wadsworth Longfellow was a special memory she enjoyed with her father and later with

her daughter Tina.

After graduating college Christine went to work for TVA enjoying a successful career until she met her first husband, Mario a few years later. Christine married CPT. Mario

Comolli in 1942 and had their only child, Mary Christine Comolli (Tina) in 1945. Upon

Mario’s death in 1974, Christine took the realm of the family business. It was while

leading Comolli Memorials that she met her second husband, Dr. E Wayne Gilley. 

Christine and Wayne were married in 1977.

Christine thoroughly enjoyed her time as a business woman, but it was her work in the

community what she considered her most rewarding work.  One of her most treasured

was her time as President of the Board of the Girls Scouts.  She was also President of the Board of the YWCA, President of the Lookout Mountain Community Aid and President of The Florence Crittenden Home for Girls. A lifelong Episcopalian, Christine served in

the Church of the Good Shepherd’s Women of the Church and held district and diocese

post in the Episcopal Church.

Christine’s also enjoyed many fond memories of her travels with her husband Wayne. 

Together they visited many countries around the world and was particularly fond of her visit to China.  However, her most cherished memories were around the time spent in Sanibel, FL.  In Sanibel, Christine and Wayne spent many peaceful walks on the beach collecting shells for Wayne’s creations. She also loved needlepoint and doing crossword

puzzles which she did every day and credited for keeping her mind sharp. She was also a

bridge player and always loved her time with her book club.

Christine was predeceased by her first husband Mario Comolli, their daughter Tina, her

second husband Dr. E Wayne Gilley and her best friend Fran Roberts.

She is survived by her son in law Barry P. Oxford, step children Jim Gilley (Bonnie), Caroline Willingham (Tom), Susan Carson (Philip), Grandson Barry P. Oxford Jr. (Angelica), Granddaughter Drewry P. Oxford, step grandchildren Alex

Willingham, Virginia Davis, Will and Jay Carson, and Mike, Allison, and Brooke Gilley.

Her greatest joy were her great-grandchildren Mabel Christine Oxford, Thomas Willingham, Kit and Wyatt Carson and Caroline Christine Davis.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Deanna Canazaro and Kristy

Sharp for their loving kindness and care of Christine until the very end. We will forever be grateful for their devotion.

In lieu of flowers, please send any memorials to The Church of the Good Shepherd, 211 Franklin Road, Lookout Mountain, TN 37350. 

Arrangements are by Wann Funeral Home and Cremation Center.

Please share your

memories, stories and photos at www.wannfuneralhome.com