PORTSMOUTH—Chris Kolantis Joannou of Portsmouth, Virginia passed away peacefully on April 21, 2023, in the company of her loving family.

After graduating from Maury High School in Norfolk and living abroad in London, England with family for two years, Chris's brother Tony introduced her to the man who would turn out to be the love of her life, Johnny S. Joannou. After two short weeks of dating, the two were engaged. Once married, they settled in Portsmouth, Virginia, where they spent the rest of their lives forming a bond with the community and its citizens while Johnny served in the Virginia State Legislature's 13th and 79th districts.

Chris had a truly generous and loving spirit, always putting others before herself. She loved spending her free time on the beach and had a sense of humor that could light up any room. Her selfless acts of kindness and compassion touched the lives of countless people, and she was always there to lend a listening ear or a helping hand to anyone in need. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends, who will always remember her infectious smile and unwavering kindness.

Chris is survived by her daughter, Dr. Stephanie Joannou Menefee; her granddaughter Athena; sisters Bess Decker and Helen Savalas; sister-in-law Ann Kolantis; nieces and nephews Katherine Townsend and husband Bill, Nicholas Savalas, Paula Savalas, Peter G. Decker, III and wife Dana, Paul Decker and wife Dana, Phillip Decker and wife Shannon, Tonia Kolantis and husband Todd Grissom, and Paul Kolantis; and sisters by heart Stella Christie and husband George, and Helen Burroughs and husband Larry; and many beloved grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, and friends. She is predeceased by her parents Paul and Augusta Kolantis, husband Johnny S. Joannou, brother Anthony P. Kolantis, brother-in-law Peter G. Decker, Jr., and sister by heart, Katherine Wynberry.

There will be a Trisagion Service at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, May 4, at Foster Funeral Home, 1926 High St., Portsmouth. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Peter Decker Children's Charity at peterdeckercharity.com. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.