Remembering Christy
August 10, 2011
Dan Viets
I have known Christy for what seems like forever...probably 30 years or more in various ways and more so in recent years especially through her work as board member of the Mid MO ACLU chapter and with NORML. She was very active in the effort to a pass the ordinance on medical marijuana here in Columbia in 2004 and she has remained very active on issue since. She's been a speaker at several NORML conferences. She was a delegate to Missouri State Democratic Convention in 2004 and the centerpiece of the speech she gave to be elected was the subject of the benefits of medical marijuana. Christy had discovered, as many thousands know, that marijuana is indeed a very helpful treatment for the symptoms of MS and she wanted everyone to know it is an important part of her life. She was a bright, beautiful, wonderful woman and it was our good fortune to know her.
Margaret Tollerton
I first met Christy while we were both in high school. Christy was different than most of the beautiful and popular girls at Hickman - she was always kind - to everyone. Christy did not let her physical beauty handicap her intelligence or her passions. She was outspoken then, and quite athletic. After high school, Christy and I lost track of each other until four years ago when our mutual passion supporting stem cell research for lifesaving cures reunited us. After thirty years had passed, Christy was still Christy, but even more beautiful than I had remembered, still highly intelligent, and fiercely passionate about specific causes. Remarkably, Christy did not let MS handicap any of her qualities. Christy's activities as an advocate energized all who came in contact with her. Christy's steadfast and public support for specific causes was always authentic, inspirational, worthwhile, and meaningful. Christy constantly supported and sought new knowledge, ever confident and courageous in her efforts to affect positive change to benefit many. Christy saw and understood "the big picture" perspectives. I am blessed to have known Christy.
Ian Thomas
I think of Christy Welliver as the embodiment of "community." She attends almost every community event, she knows almost everybody in the community, and her personality inspires love and respect from almost everyone. The most amazing thing about Christy is that none of this changed in the slightest as a result of her disability - even though multiple sclerosis imposes enormous physical and psychological challenges on its victims. Through everything, Christy maintained dignity, humor, and compassion.
Richard King
My relationship with Christie started as she attended many shows at the Blue Note. She and Joe would actually offer me tips on ADA rules and offered solutions to access problems at the Blue Note & Mojos. The more I got to know Christie my eyes were opened on several levels.
Here is a person that was not dealt a fair hand and yet you could never tell when you talked to her! Never have I heard an unpleasant word from her! Everything was pretty darn positive!
When I joined the PedNet board we became that much closer. Again the most pleasant person in the room! In the last few years we actually hosted Jimmy Buffet theme parties for her at Mojos. The amount of energy she generated for all she did in Columbia surprised me! Her loss is a huge one for Columbia, PedNet, and me personally! Christie will be in our thoughts and prayers- she will be missed by many people!
Kim Scholl
I worked with Christy for many years. I was always amazed at her spirit and how happy she could be with small increments of improvement. Christy was always a bright spot in our day at the clinic (physical therapy) when she came in and I am sure I was not the only person that Christy inspired. I would like to share this; the Wednesday before she fell ill she was in the clinic, and I have to say she was the strongest physically I have seen her in a long time. Christy was so happy with the recognition and experience of her strength. She left this world with a new found strength.
Sharon Page
It's hard for me to put over 33 years into a couple of paragraphs. I first met Christy when she came to work at my place of employment. We spent the weekends driving around in her little blue sports car, going to the lake, checking out a few "watering holes" and discussing the men
in our lives. We both quit working for our employer about the same time. I started my own business and Christy came along so we could still work together. As her MS progressed, I was with her going through chemo, when they shaved off that gorgeous long hair, and ALL those puzzles we put together in her hospital room. When it became harder for her to get around we slowed down a bit. I'll always remember one night when she was walking with crutches. We were, perhaps, a tad “over served.” Christy enlightened me that she was unsure if she'd make it to my bathroom. I put her on my kitchen rug and pulled her through the house…probably one of the best laughs of our lives!
I can remember when her chair wasn't quite locked in place in that candy red van of hers. I started driving the van and she began rolling backwards into her hang- up clothes in the back of the van. I still see her head covered with clothes and laughing her head off.
After Christy moved to Columbia and could no longer get up the steps at my house, we started the stage of sleepovers in her motel room when she came to town. We always talked until the wee hours - Christy always said she could sleep at home. I'll never forget the night she asked me to tell her something that was real sad. She explained that her medicine made it hard for her to cry and she wanted a good cry. We shared some hard to admit things that had happened to us and
Christy had such a fear of eventually having to be placed in a home. The only solace I have is that I believe God answered her prayers.
How do you describe someone you've known and loved over half your life? The only word I can think of is a GIFT. We knew each other so well. I can only hope that everyone has that close of a friendship in their life.
Rocket Kirchner
Christy Welliver : Secular Saint
It is very rare that one knows and works with someone like Christy Welliver. We knew each other for years and worked together as fellow activists on projects for people that were left on the margins of society. Now, this woman, Christy, had MS, in case you did not know. So instead of rolling over and playing dead or let herself be defeated by it, she just proclaimed a holy war against others who were suffering in this world , in the same manner that Johnny Cash wore black to stand for every human being who was in pain. No one said no to Christy's plans to kick ass and reach people. And if they did they were just a fool. The bottom line with her is that she never let up on those around you who are in need. That was the secret to her longevity. If there is such a thing as a Secular Saint, then she was one. Now that might offend my fellow Christian friends, but there you have it. And if there is such a thing as having a Secular Saint unfairly getting a feeding tube removed then that might offend my fellow secular friends but there you have it. She was a fighter…she never gave up…Never. That is why we all will miss her.
Rene Powell
In 2004, Christy and I went to the Harkin Steak Fry (Sen. Tom Harkin) hoping to see Howard Dean speak. It was a very rough trip. Windy and rainy the whole way. When we got there it was all muddy and rainy so she couldn't get out in her chair. She told me to go ahead and listen. So, I did.
Afterwards, I was walking back to the van and he was just a few steps ahead of me. I caught up and asked him to come and meet her, and he did. She thought it was pretty cool because there weren't cameras around or anything. We were both relieved to get back to Columbia, though.
Kathleen Weinschenk
Christy and I met in 1992 when we both joined W.A.V.E.S. which was Women Advocating for an Educated Society . All the women in this group had some kind of disability. We would go to schools and other groups to tell people about our lives. Christy's disability had hit her in her adult life, but she was always cheerful and outgoing. She had a way of making others feel good and at ease.
Christy, we will miss you. Thank you for your gifts.
A Prayer
Christy,
The light of God surrounds you.
The love of the God enfolds you.
The power of God protects you.
The presence of God watches over you.
Wherever you are, God is
and all is well.
Amen
Patricia Bailey Peel
Christy had such a deep connection with this city and I know that it will continue. Wherever we went, she always ran into people she knew. She loved Columbia, the "live music" scene, her favorite Jimmy buffet cds, conversations about any current events, and enjoying a good sunset. Christy had a contagious smile. Strangers on the street would comment on her beautiful smile. And Christy had a lot to smile about...a great family, great friends, and a very active lifestyle that kept her very busy. I will miss Christy. I will always keep her close to my heart, and never forget our time together. I am thankful for all she taught me about life's lessons.
Gail Tweeddale
Christy has been such a pleasure to work with; coming into the gym (Wilson’s) with that great big smile on her face, hair always perfect…even in a ponytail! One of my most fond memories of Christy is her coming into the gym in the winter with her red jacket, red hat, and red lipstick. She looked sooo striking! Christy knew the importance of exercising and stretching, it kept her moving and strong. She would do all that she could and then some. But…believe it or not…if I worked her hard enough… she would occasionally whineJ. Christy always had a story of what concert she went to, going to Cooper's Landing, what party she went to.... she was so active and lived life to the fullest. I rode the MS 150 for Christy and she would come to the finish line to cheer me on. Christy had such a passion for all that she involved herself in: PedNet, politics, Parrot Heads, Rotary, MS groups, and the list goes on. Christy, you are loved so much by so many people!
Bill Watkins
Christy was one of those folks who was always positive –she thought her glass was always ¾ full. She was willing to give of her time and talents, contributing to and serving on several City Committees and Task forces. I would occasionally run into her at Murry’s; she always was more interested in whomever she was talking to than herself. She was an important light in our community and will be missed.
Deanna Harper
I first met Christy in August of 1993 when I started my job as Service Coordinator of the MS Institute. She had volunteered since the Institute was founded in 1992 and continued to volunteer regularly for the next 19 years. We grew to become close friends as well as colleagues. Through the years she educated and helped me in many ways.
Early in our relationship she gave me a crash course on MS and the nature of the treatments she had tried. The last time she was in the office was Wednesday, June 22nd just prior to the day she was first hospitalized on June 25th. That day, Christy continued to help me improve my computer skills and she told me she was happy with my progress...except my inability to do a mail merge! She said she would take care of that when needed. :)
At one of the educational programs presented by the MS Institute a neurologist, Dr. Annette Howard from Baylor University, said that when newly diagnosed MS patients see another MS patient in a wheelchair they are often upset. Early in her career she said she would coddle them. As time passed, she reported that her approach had changed and, now, she would simply urge them to go into the waiting room and thank everyone in a wheelchair for trying all the medications that had not worked well because their experience had helped lead physicians and researchers to develop the improved treatments that were now slowing the progression of MS. Her approach mirrored the attitude that Christy brought to her battle; always finding the silver lining and always optimistic about the future.
Christy was also my “go to” person. If a reporter needed to interview someone with MS, she was there. If a student was working on a paper and needed to learn more about living with MS, she was there. If we needed a speaker to help increase awareness of MS, she was there. She was always there; helping our cause, anticipating the day a cure arrived and remaining strong in mind and body for that moment.
She is irreplaceable.
Christy loved these things:- Her family and friends
- Sunsets
- Jimmy Buffett
- Murry's
- Growing grey gracefully
- Negative people
- Giving up driving
- Not being able to wear high heels and hear the click when walking down the hall
- Heat in summer
- Not being able to water ski
Christy taught me many things but I am particularly glad she introduced me to vegetarian sub sandwiches with bacon!
Christy got to see my children grow up and she taught them that someone in a chair could be “cool”, fun and beautiful.
I will miss her daily but will remember our many good times….as she would want!
Sean Spence
If you knew Christy Welliver, then you knew her smile. No matter what was going on in Christy's life, the smile was there. Living with multiple sclerosis, as I do, Christy had plenty of reason to withdraw from the world -- and there were probably times she felt like doing that. What she showed us, though, was a woman of passion, energy, optimism, and commitment to making the world a better place. She provided an example that makes every day easier for more people than she could have realized.
For those of us with MS, Christy's attitude imparted special meaning, but Christy had something for everyone. She showed us that we can all make a difference; we can all brighten the world with a smile; and giving up just isn't an option. Would I say that Christy was an inspiration? Sure, but Christy was more down-to-earth to me than that. She was just so real, so warm, so alive. For me, she provided a model for the way I want to live my life and I will be forever grateful.
Lisa Rose
Christy embodies the essence of service. She has always carried with her a huge loving heart, intuitive intelligence, bravery, consideration to all of us, a positive attitude and a generous spirit. She has had her opinions on everything but has not once been rude or pushy about her beliefs and passions; she just forged forward with tireless energy.
As far as the fun stuff, she would attend as many music, theater, art, dance exhibits as possible; sometimes attending three events in one day. Keeping up with her was a joy, a pleasure, a constant learning experience; teaching me how to be a better person. She always saw the good in everyone and made us all feel as if we were her best and most special friend. Indeed, I felt like I had won the friend jackpot knowing and loving her.
Karen Miller
When I think about Christy, I will remember her as an enthusiastic, articulate, bright, funny individual. She loved being involved in so many things and always did her share of the heavy lifting. I think Les Wagner said it best- Christy was not defined by her disability. I never saw her as a one issue individual. In fact, if you did not see her in person you would never know she had a disability. She fought for what she believed in and many of her goals were just to make the world a better place for all of us. Christy's smile will be sadly missed by all who knew her.
Park Miller
I was very lucky to grow up with Christy Welliver. We grew up in the Grasslands area of Columbia. Through grade school, junior high and high school Christy was always a good friend, and someone I could depend on when I needed someone to talk to. Christy had a great sense of humor and liked playing a joke on you when she could. She loved music, dancing, and being with other people. Christy was a very good student, she made the grades I always hoped to, but never did.
Christy accepted you for who you were, and made you feel good about yourself. There is no doubt Christy Welliver made this world a better place through her joy, laughter, and love for other people. She truly enjoyed life and I'm grateful to have known her. A friend like Christy is a rare find. I will carry her in my heart always.
Cyndi Koonse
Christy, I Love You!
Ahhh, I could write a book of all the stories we could tell. THANK YOU from my heart to yours for so many precious memories / healing energies; great conversations, all the important causes and politicians you've helped to launch and supported, for Dreams shared, fabulous dinners at your Mom's and Murry's, great musicians/music... Ahhh, from the cabin, to the castle, to Key West and throughout our town you've treasured Sunsets and savored life to the fullest! Water, Wine, Juice and Coffee hold new meanings for me because of you. Gratitude is what I hold for all we've shared. What a Joy and Blessing your friendship is. Your enthusiasm and passion for life will forever be an inspiration, not only to me, but I believe for everyone whose path you crossed, inviting all to live up to our fullest potential and to chose to live fully in the moment. You're a beautiful example of how to move through life with grace. Your permeating smile and passion leave a legacy of Love! Pidamia ~ God Bless ~ Love and Blessings to You and your family always, Cyndi
Michael Koonse
Dearest Christy,
You have been a wonderful person to me every since we were in high school. Thank you for all you have done to make our community and the world a better place. Cyndi and I think of you with every sunset and will certainly continue to do so. So Much Love to You and to your family.
Peace Be With You, Lynnie
Darwin Hindman
In Praise of Christy Welliver
Christy Welliver was a beautiful person in every respect including appearance, spirit, personality and grit.
Christy suffered from a dreaded disease. I consider her one of the bravest people that I have known. She could have, as many suffering with her condition would have, justifiably withdrawn, become depressed, given up and become a helpless burden to others. Christy did just the opposite; she was outgoing, vivacious, appeared everywhere and was constantly out front pushing for good causes.
I never saw Christy depressed. Even in her wheel chair and deteriorating condition, she knew how to have a good time and be cheerful even to the point of making everyone around her have more fun.
Christy wanted to do everything that her physical condition would permit and in her very pleasant way fought barriers that prevented it. She wanted good sidewalks and pedways. She wanted and demanded accessibility as a matter of simple justice. In one of her final public acts, Christy appealed to the City Council for an accessible trail in a nature area so that she and others with disabilities could enjoy its benefits.
We will all miss Christy. No one can replace her but her spirit lives on in us. We should honor her by supporting her causes.
Christy’s contributions to PedNet were of immense importance. Personally, I feel privileged that I knew and worked with and enjoyed Christy Welliver. She is a true inspiration to all who had the good luck to know her.
Karen Grindler and the people of Cedar Creek Therapeutic Riding Center
I first met Christy 23 years ago when Cedar Creek Therapeutic Riding Center began. I remember the first time I met Christy. A car pulled up to our Open House in Ashland and a drop dead gorgeous woman got out. It was Christy. She walked up and inquired about riding and it's benefits for MS. After talking with Amy and me and realizing we were all the same age with many of the same friends, Christy agreed to give Therapeutic Riding the old "cowboy" try. She lasted one session and actually bit-the-dust one lesson. Deciding (shortly after falling off) that riding just wasn't her thing, Christy then generously offered to help us by serving on our Board of Directors. Christy served as a Board Member for many years and then continued to show her love and support of the organization from then on.
No matter what her challenges, every time I saw Christy she looked beautiful, was smiling and always had good things to say about life, Columbia and the people in it! Whether at an outdoors cultural/music event, Earth Day, Art in the Park, Missouri River Relief or the corner bar at Murry's, Christy was a welcome face to all of Columbia always helping the Good Causes, fighting the GOOD fight. I truly admire her zest for life and people and have always respected how everyone in this town loves her soooo much. She is a true Columbia icon, representing the good:) We all can only hope to accomplish what Christy has in making this world a far better place, especially Columbia Missouri. Thank you Christy!
I love you!
"Mother, Mother Ocean I have heard your call."
Jimmy Buffett
Kim March
I met Christy and worked with her on the Board and activities of the PedNet Coalition. When she left her PedNet Board officer position as Vice-President we presented her with an amazing red hat and red scarf. Many times afterward, Christy would smile at me and thank me for choosing that special red hat for her - I would tell her -- a special hat for a very special person! I feel blessed to have known such a truly good person with a beautiful smile for everyone! I will miss her, we all will.
Sutu Forté
My first recollections of Christy were at music events, primarily night clubs, because she so dug the music! Next, she began appearing at my concert variety show, Moulin Musique. Besides being an enthusiastic audience member, I believe she even got up on stage, in her chair, to sing and dance with the group! Fantastic! I always loved her red lipstick, and big hats! Very classy!! But then she really impressed me when she began singing with the Jazreplab, our community jazz workshop that used to be held at the Artisan/Underground Café. She was always well-prepared musically; with well-written out lead sheets, proper key signature, etc. Because she was nervous, I encouraged her to keep practicing, keep performing and she began taking vocal coaching from the marvelous Tom Andes. Her signature song was by her Kansas City friend, Greg Tamblyn: Just Enough To Get Me By…..touching lyrics and “a window” into Christy’s soul. So, when I organized an exciting new concert series for original music to be performed on the stunning Blind Boone Chickering 9-foot Grand Piano at the Boone County Historical Society, entitled The Piano Originals, I invited Christy to perform with me and she got a standing ovation —- it was superb! I can’t seem to locate a visual or audio recording of this performance so if you have one could you contact me --- I’d love to leave a copy for her family and wonderful Joe! The concert was May 21, 2011. She met me there one hour ahead of time to rehearse and scope out the space — she was “so together”…..really easy for me and a complete JOY --- what a voice! Thank you Christy and Greg for the great message! It has now become a permanent part of the Jazreplab Repetoire Library!
Just Enough To Get Me By by Greg Tamblyn
People say I’m a lazy fool,
They told you I just don’t try.
Tell me where’s the crime if all I do,
Is just enough to get me by.
Why should I worry about money?
Too many good things money can’t buy.
So, I don’t ever need too much money,
No, just enough to get me by.
People chase some strange dreams,
Work hard all their life.
Missing out on the sweet things,
‘Cause they never have the time.
So maybe if you want me,
Ain’t gonna change, I can’t lie.
But, all I’ll ask from you is love,
Just enough to get me by.
All I need from you is love,
Just enough to get me by.
Margaret Brownlee
It all started for me on “April of the 9th”--- Christy Marie Welliver’s date of birth. Why she didn’t call it “April 9th” like everyone else wasn’t clear but she really wasn’t like everyone else. Not at 5 years of age and not at 59 years of age. We celebrated that date as kids and we’ve celebrated it, again, as adults for the past 20 years. We started out as neighbors and we’ve ended up as neighbors. Full circle. She was really something!
Christy and I have been forever friends since the 1950s. We grew up together on Bingham Road. I moved there in 1956 and we became fast friends. To many folks around town were considered privileged but I can assure you that we were nothing but normal…especially Christy! If you ever wonder how it is she became the determined, focused and goal oriented woman we all knew….look no further than our backyards as kids. She was just as outgoing and headstrong, then. She was the “team leader” and “social director” of all the gals on Bingham Road….or at least that’s what she thought! Always in control and taking charge and making sure everything and everyone was having fun. If you wanted to run with Christy it was her way or the highwayJ And believe it or not…she could be a bit of a bully at times! But it didn’t take much before she’d put her arms around you to make sure you were OK if she’d taken things a little too far. She had a heart of gold. Life was never dull. We had a blast!
I’m going to share with you some Christy moments as I recall them growing up.
In her younger years Christy was something of a tom boy and quite athletic. I vividly remember that she had a set of guns that she wore constantly. Her mother could never get them off of her! I imagine many nights Christy slept with her holsters on! Ready for action. She was happy as long as she had her six guns and her black headband! Some version of this remained true throughout high school even as she blossomed into a beautiful, beautiful woman and part of the Homecoming Court. Down to earth. Fun seeking. Determined.
One time we were playing on the teeter totter. I was much smaller than Christy and was at the top of my teeter she was at the bottom of her totter. Suddenly, she jumped off and I quickly plunged to earth, landed with a thud and rolled backward into the jungle gym scraping my face. Another time, we were in her basement and she had decided to swing me around by my feet. Unfortunately, my head ran into a piece of furniture which put a quick end to our (her?) fun.
What did Christy do in each case? She laughed heartily until she realized I might actually be hurt. Then, she hurried over to make sure it wasn’t’ too bad. She had a mischievous streak in her but above all else she was kind. Can’t say I enjoyed this aspect of our friendship but looking back it all makes me smile :)
I remember the years we took dancing lessons…tap and ballet…with Mrs. Virginia Peeler. She had a studio on McBaine Street. We’d practice for nine months and then perform at an annual recital at Stephens College. Eventually, Christy decided that we needed to put on our own recitals and that’s what we did. All the girls on Bingham Rd. participated. We played 45s for music, made costumes and put on quite a show…at one of our houses. Lots of family, friends and neighbors would attend. Wouldn’t have happened without Christy, her love of entertainment and her drive to live life to the fullest.
As the years went by she would be stricken with MS. I think many of us would retreat from life to some degree but not Christy. She continued to embrace life and the unique and valuable insights that her situation illuminated for her. I am no different than anyone else in the deep admiration I felt for her as she kept moving forward. She had her moments, for sure, but she always bounced back and showed us how to face adversity.
I am small and Christy is and always will be “Big” in everyone’s heart and soul. She gave me many life lessons and prepared me for every aspect of it.
Farewell, my lifelong friend. May you touch and inspire all that you meet in your next journey! And….say hello to my Mom! (Alice)
Sarah Bowman
Christy, I love you and I thank you for every moment, every smile, and every laugh we shared together. The time I spent with you was short, but every minute was treasured. It’s amazing how our paths crossed this past year. You were my mentor through the occupational therapy program for a few short weeks, and a few months later I was spending every day with you. I learned so much not only about being a caregiver, but about life. Your very presence could light up a room. It amazed me how every place we went together you knew at least one person. What a presence you held in the Columbia community! The time and hard work that you have put into the community will never be forgotten. I feel so lucky that I was able to spend time with you and learn so much about the “large life” that you have lived. From being basically a professional slalom skier to attending Jimmy Buffet concerts, to widening the sidewalks of Columbia streets, you have left your mark. The life you lived and the way you lived it is a model of the way I will strive to live the rest of mine. Thank you for sharing a part of your life with me, and giving me the opportunity to get to know you, I will treasure the memories forever.
Love always, Sarah
Carolyn Elizabeth Mathews
Having known Christy for decades, I have always been struck by both her sincere, caring intelligence and deeply warm, grounded presence. Her dedication to diverse causes related to justice, equality and protecting all our liberties and freedoms is legendary. Some examples of the diversity of her activities included empowering herself and others with alternative healing methods, such as speaking out for medical marijuana for people with multiple sclerosis or other illnesses, and inviting me years ago to bring some Gentle Yoga exercises to her M.S. support group. I served with her on the Board of the mid-Missouri affiliate of the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) for a number of years, and had the pleasure of riding with her to Lobby Day in Jeff City, and ACLU events for Eastern Missouri in St. Louis. Long before the ACLU Board I was going to Law School and had several chances to meet or hear her Father speak, who was a highly esteemed Judge who also supported civil liberties. Her devotion to him was enormous, so carrying on his legacy brought her great pleasure and affirmed the same values found in our Bill of Rights and Constitution. I also knew her from Unity Center, where she was the embodiment of the calm, spiritual presence and joyful, positive attitude expressed in Unity principles, and always evident in the flash and steadiness of her genuinely loving smile. Her essence I will always remember is that all her beliefs were grounded on a universal love and spiritual belief in human dignity and the oneness of all peoples.
Anne Moore
August 10, 2011
Christy Welliver and I are both Boone County Fools, proudly born and raised in BoCoMo. I think I was always aware of Christy because growing up, our parents were friends. Christy grew into a stunningly beautiful woman, and even then she had a genuine smile that reflected her soul. She came by her activism, her strong will, her wit, and her passion naturally from both of her parents. I remember stuffing envelopes for her father, Warren Welliver, when he ran—and won—a seat in the State Senate. Recently I told Christy I’d found limericks on Missouri Supreme Court Stationery written by her father to my Dad—we were both looking forward to laughing at them and showing them to our Mothers. One of my regrets is that I didn’t follow up sooner to dig those out and share them with her. I now have copies of them to give to her Mother Ruthie Welliver.
Christy and I shared a love for music. Though we weren’t in touch at the time, I remember hearing about and being impressed with the fact that a hammock from her home in Key West was used on the cover of one of her neighbor Jimmy Buffett’s albums. Many of our conversations took place at music venues—I’m certain Christy was at every concert I attended in the last 15 years—and many more I didn’t get to enjoy. We’d yak in the ladies room at Jesse Hall during intermissions, at The Blue Note or Mojos, on the street during festivals, and of course at Murry’s, her home away from home. Every fall, we would have a great time catching up and enjoying the music at Roots N Blues. Last fall I found her on the rooftop at The Whole Hog Lounge, which was odd because the only way to get there was up a flight of stairs. When I asked her, she told me with a grin she’d convinced a couple of big strong guys to carry her up the steps because the rooftop was where the best blues was being performed and she didn’t want to miss any part of the music.
A few years ago, I casually mentioned she should ‘crash’ a class reunion since she was friends with so many in the class. She said she would if I’d call and remind her. I forgot to call until the day of the party and left a message. She not only showed up, she outlasted me and many others, heading up the afterparty that ended in the wee hours. She had a fabulous time being in the middle of all the fun, plus she renewed some key friendships that she’s continued since.
Being in the middle of—or leading--the action was one of her amazing traits. I’d regularly see Christy at City Hall—she’d be there for the Mayor’s Disabilities Commission or the Public Buildings Committee. She was all over town working for PedNet and GetAbout Columbia. Like her father, she was a leader with the Boone County Democratic Committee.
With tongue in cheek, she and her Mom called Northwest Rotary ‘that nice Republican Club’ Christy had joined. Christy added a lot to our Rotary these past 10 years, as a volunteer for our charities or just enjoying everyone’s fellowship. When she could still drive, it was wise to get out of her way as she’d roar up to the front door. She could dish out the razzing as well as she could take it—a necessary trait to be a member of our Rotary. Fearless, she once showed up in full Key West garb—straw hat, Hawaiian shirt, and paper parasol in her water bottle—to announce the formation of the charitable Parrot Head Club. The photo I’ve included was taken at Rotary last Christmas--Christy told me I would like it because we both look happy to be posing together with Santa—she’s right, but then Christy almost always had that delightful smile on her face.
Being un-self-conscious and without self-pity were her hallmarks. She was deeply grateful to her parents for their financial and emotional support of her independence. As her MS progressed, she continually faced physical and emotional challenges that were life-changing and humbling, but she rarely talked about them, and I personally never heard her complain about her physical condition. A few years ago, her condition worsened and she looked frail and depressed. Using her strong will—some might even say stubbornness-- she forced herself to try some new physical and alternative therapies that helped her feel and look much healthier.
Like so many, I’ll miss Christy Welliver’s gorgeous smile and spirit—and like so many, I am thankful to have known her. And I know what Christy would say to all that—‘would you like to join me helping someone else?’
