Arthur Christian

Arthur M. Christian Obituary

Arthur Matthew Christian was born on January 21, 1943, in Mt. Gilead, North Carolina, to Pauline Christian and James Roper. He was raised in Albemarle, North Carolina, and attended Mt. Gilead Elementary School before graduating from Kingville High School. Arthur went on to attend Livingstone College, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology in 1964.

After graduating, Arthur worked as a substitute teacher before enlisting in the United States Army, where he proudly served from 1965 to 1967. Stationed at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Aberdeen, Maryland, Arthur earned both the National Defense Service Medal and the Sharpshooter Badge. He also applied his sociology degree as a Clinical Psych Specialist during his service.

Following his honorable separation from the military, Arthur moved to Camden, New Jersey, where he began his career as a social worker with the Camden County Board of Social Services. He dedicated more than 40 years of service to helping others through this role.

In 1971, Arthur met the love of his life, Marcelette Morrow. The two were married on August 30, 1978, and built a loving family together. Their union included daughter Kellie Rodriguez-Lee, and they later welcomed a second daughter, Monique Christian. Arthur and Marcelette shared 31 years of marriage until her passing in 2009.

Arthur was a lifelong sports enthusiast, beginning with basketball in his youth and later developing a passion for tennis. Through these pursuits, he built many lifelong friendships that he treasured. Known for his outgoing and social nature, Arthur remained active after retirement, finding joy in lively daily conversations on politics, sports, and current events with his close circle of friends affectionately known as the ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out).

On Sunday, September 14, 2025, God sent one of His angels to embrace Arthur and welcome him home. He was preceded in death by his mother, Pauline Christian; his brothers, Melvin and Lewis Christian; and his beloved wife, Marcelette Christian.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Kellie Rodriguez-Lee (Vernon) of Alexandria, Virginia, and Monique Christian; his granddaughter, Alexis Garcia (James) of Alexandria, Virginia; his brother, William Christian of Greensboro, North Carolina; his dear friend, Gail Nichols; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, caring neighbors, and loyal friends.

Arthur will be remembered for his sense of humor, his kind spirit, and his unwavering devotion to family and friends. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.