Christine "Chris" Carol Janzen, 59, of Lexington, died Tuesday, April 9, 2024 after a valiant, 4 year battle with cancer. She was born to the late Carl and Pauline (Darling) Martin on December 16, 1964, in Valparaiso, IN.

She was a graduate of the Moody Bible Institute and Columbia Bible College. Related to her schooling, she spent a summer teaching in Morocco and a summer teaching in India. She married Les Janzen on July 9, 1988. Together they parented their eight plus one children along with several foster children. She taught in the school system for 4 years before homeschooling her own children for the next 27 years. She dedicated much of her life to children's and women's ministries as well as being very active with the church's Vacation Bible School and Sunday School programs. She also helped with leadership in the homeschool community. Chris loved family traditions. These included taking her children to see the Nutcracker every year, giving each one a new Christmas ornament each year, and most famously (according to some), attending the State Fair every fall, sometimes multiple times per year. She enjoyed reading, watching movies, doing handcrafts, when time permitted, and traveling to spend time with family. She was an active member of Hope Church Columbia since moving to Columbia in 1985.

She is survived by her loving husband, Les Janzen; children, Jessica Janzen, Mark Janzen, Marlene Janzen (fiance Chad Kelley), Aaron Janzen (Brittany), Riley (Chelsea) Montoney (Kevin), Ashlynne Clifton (Robert), Jonathan Janzen (aka JJ), Josiah Janzen (aka Ivy), and Emma Rose Janzen; her 8 grandchildren, Joshuah, Kaleb, EmmaLeigh and Naomi Janzen, Theodore, Abner and Etta Clifton, and Kalyee Jennings; and siblings, Mary Hupp (David), Bob Martin (Jean),and Dave Martin (Courtney); and sister in love, Diane Martin.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Mike Martin and Tommy Martin.

Visitation will be held Sunday, April 14, from 4 until 6 o'clock, at Hope Church Columbia, 2609 Seminole Road, Columbia, SC. The funeral service will be held Monday, April 15, at 10 o'clock at Hope Church Columbia. Burial will follow the service at Lexington Memorial Cemetery, 1772 West Main Street, Lexington, SC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Hope Church Columbia, designated for Children's Ministries, International Missions, or Compassion International.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.