Christy Jo Cruzan White died on August 2, 2015 at 3:36 a.m. from the effects of ovarian cancer. She was supported by her loving family, who survives: soul mate, Mel White of the home; eldest daughter, Angela Broaddus of Joplin; youngest daughter, Miranda Lewis and her husband, Aaron of Joplin; beloved granddaughters Reagan Joyce and Emerson Jo Broaddus; son, Paul Tesinsky and his wife, Sandy, of California; and sister, Donna Cruzan of Carterville. Chris was preceded in death by a sister, Nancy Cruzan; parents Joe and Joyce Cruzan; and grandparents, Lester and Jackie Cruzan. Chris and family were also cared for by Linda Snell, Mercy Hospice, Dr. Irving LaFrancis and Dr. Mary Kennedy.

Chris was well known for her dedication to her family. She and her parents fought a legal battle for her sister, Nancy’s right to die after an auto accident left her in a vegetative state. The case went to the U.S. Supreme Court and shed light on the importance of advance directives and end-of-life issues. As executive director of the Cruzan Foundation, Chris traveled the country for a number of years speaking on the subject.

Most recently, Chris found her passion as an educator and worked in special education at Webb City Junior High. She believed strongly in helping kids find their strengths, overcome obstacles and believe in their own abilities to succeed.

Chris earned an associate’s degree in paralegal studies, a bachelor’s degree and was working toward her master’s degree in education at the time of her illness.

Chris was a member of Carterville United Methodist Church, served on a number of ethics committees, as well as The Society for the Right to Die and The Center for Practical Bioethics boards.

Visitation will be held Thursday from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. and a memorial service will be held Friday at 10:00 a.m., both at Mason-Woodard Mortuary, followed by a graveside service at Carterville Cemetery. The family will receive guests at the homes of Chris’s daughters, Angie and Miranda.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Hospice, Webb City Bright Futures and The Center for Practical Bioethics. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mason-Woodard Mortuary of Joplin, Mo.

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