Christine Skinner

Eleanor Christine Skinner, 75, passed away on May 11, 2023, in her hometown of Corpus Christi, Texas surrounded by her family.

Christine was the youngest of her natural siblings, but she included as additional siblings a stepbrother, and four cousins all raised closely together. The legacy of those nine “siblings” continues with the close family ties of cousins, nieces, and nephews. Those nieces and nephews called her Mama C.

Christine grew up in Corpus Christi, graduating from W. B. Ray High School in 1965 and went on to attend William Woods University in Missouri following with a career in oil and gas lease management at various companies, residing in San Francisco, Denver, and Houston. Eventually Corpus Christi drew her back to help run the family business, Carr’s Cleaners and Laundry. She was a Las Donas de la Corte Duchess in Buccaneer Days and an Order of de Pineda Debutante. Growing up she attended the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd and was a founding parishioner of the Episcopal Church of the Reconciliation where she was active and sang in the choir.

Friends, dogs, singing, and acting were passions of Christine’s. From the age of junior high and through her life she maintained a strong connection with former classmates and friends referring to themselves as “Amigas” and gathering annually for fun reconnection. She was an avid dog lover and took her “children” everywhere she went. Over the years there were several loves of her life, Tinky, Tatum, Mikey, Fats Domino, and Carrleigh. Among Christine’s greatest passions was her involvement with the Corpus Christi Harbor Playhouse Community Theatre. She performed in many of the musical productions receiving special recognition for her role as Bloody Mary in South Pacific and her rendition of Bali Ha’i. Christine performed for many years at the annual event Stage Door Canteen on the U.S.S. Lexington. She also was a founding member of the Corpus Christi Ice Rays hockey booster club and on several occasions sang the “Star Spangled Banner” for the start of the game.

Christine will be remembered by her family and friends for her exuberance, bright smile, and hearty engaging laughter. When Christine was young child, she was preceded in death by her mother Eleanor Flynt Skinner. She was also preceded in death by her father, A. C. Skinner, Jr. and by her stepmother, Marshall Skinner whom she also considered her mother. In addition, she is preceded in death by her three cousin “brothers,” Henry and Johnny Hilliard, and Pec Grimes, and her brother-in-law, Morgan Campbell. She is survived by her siblings; A. Carr Skinner, III (Martha), Bettye Skinner Campbell, Richard H. Skinner (Terry), Hayden W. Head (Barbara), Joel S. Hilliard (Pam), and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held at 12:30pm Friday, May 19, 2023 at Seaside Funeral Home Chapel with a funeral service to follow at 1pm. Interment to follow at Seaside Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Corpus Christi Harbor Playhouse Community Theatre or a charity of choice.