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Charles Christian Obituary

Charles O. Christian SUFFOLK - Charles O. Christian, 83, of the 200 block of Walnut St., died Monday, April 4, 2011 at his residence. He was a native of Richmond, Va., and the son of the late Edward and Louise Christian. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Elizabeth Jones and Estelle Baker; one brother, Willie Christian. He was a graduate of Armstrong High School. He received a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree from Virginia State College. He retired from Norfolk State University in 1992. Mr. Christian was a member of First Baptist Church where he was a trustee, member of the Brotherhood Ministry and Finance Committee. His special honors include: CIAA Coach of the Year for four times - 1983, 1984, 1987 and 1989; South Atlantic District Coach of the year - 1987 and 1990; CIAA Tournament Coach - seven times; teams finished No. 1 in nation in Division II - 1983-84 and 1986-1987; team finished No. 1 in Sheridan Poll - 1990; inducted into CIAA Hall of Fame - February 1988; inducted into the Virginia State University Hall of Fame - May 1989; inducted into the Hampton Roads African American Sports Hall of Fame - October 2002; chosen to coach in French International Tournament in 1992. Mr. Christian was affiliated with other organizations which include: Alpha Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity; Suffolk Boosters Club Inc.; Gold Life Member of NAACP; Southern Poverty Law Center - 113 years; Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee; Dominion Resources Energy Share Committee; American Personnel and Guidance Association; National Association of Basketball Coaches; Boy Scout Advisory Board; Salvation Army Advisory Board; Suffolk Civic Forum; Children's Hospital of The King's Daughter for Financial Support; first black on board of directors for Louise Obici Hospital; first black on board of Morgan Memorial Library; board of directors of American Red Cross, Suffolk; Suffolk Public School Board; Paul D. Camp Community College Board; and Suffolk Historic Landmark Commission. He leaves to cherish his precious memory his loving wife, Elizabeth J. Christian; two daughters, Charlene E. Andrews (James) of Chesapeake and Annette L. Ross (Jerome) of Richmond; nephew, Horace E. Christian (Peggy) of Chesapeake and Ralph Minor; great-nephew, Horace E. Christian Jr. of Los Angeles and Jason Christian-Connor of New York; niece, Jacquelyn Christian-Connor of New York; godson, Sherman Z. Logan (Frank) of Richmond; goddaughter, Deborah K. Logan of Richmond; devoted friends, Mary D. Logan-Morton of Richmond and Kessye D. Cargille; extended family, the Archies/Jones family of Norfolk; the Barnes family of Chesapeake; Bobby Vaughan of Elizabeth City, N.C.; devoted sons, Ross Boone of Suffolk, Arthur Barrett (Valerie) of Suffolk, Peter Mitchell (Carrie) of Maryland, Earl Jones (Delores) of Illinois; Lewis Simon of Alabama, Clinton Wright (Javonda) of Suffolk, Ronald Hart (Ethel) of Suffolk, Wilbur Holland of Suffolk, Charles Jackson (Jean) of Suffolk and a multitude of loved ones and friends. A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 9, at Tabernacle Christian Church, 2500 East Washington St., officiated by Dr. Steven G. Blunt, Bishop Carlton Upton is pastor. Interment will be in Holly Lawn Cemetery. A wake will be Friday at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 112 Mahan St., Suffolk. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. will conduct its Omega Service at 11:45 a.m. Saturday before the funeral at Tabernacle. Crocker Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.crockerfuneralhome. com.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Apr. 7, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Christian

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ROSS Parker

April 3, 2021

I didn't know him personally but I know Coach Christian was a great coach and a even better person from my time at both GW Carver HS Chesapeake and Norfolk State University
He rests in Peace with the Angels and the Lord!

Ross Parker NSU 1977

Sonnie Cuffey II

April 25, 2011

Annette,
On behalf of Fred, Don and myself I would like to express our heartfelt prayers to you and your family at this time. As Don replied upon my informing him of your father, "Coach and Ricks are together again, but this time with their Heavenly Father. Sonnie G. Cuffey II

GingerBug & Kenny Snelling

April 12, 2011

Norfolk State basketball and Norfolk State athletics as a whole has not been the same since he left. As coach Christian's Sports Information Director for many years, I was always his biggest fan. He was not only one of the greatest coaches college b asketball has ever known, he was also a tremendous educator and genuinely cared for all his athletes. I was proud to be associated with him. The CIAA and NCAA has not been the sme without him and had he coached during NSU's MEAC tenure, the Spartans would have been winning may titles in it too.

Gary Francis

April 12, 2011

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Ross Parker

April 10, 2011

I attended GW Carver HS in Chesapeake, VA when coach was at Kennedy of Suffolk. I am a 1977 graduate of NSU. I did not know Coach Christian personally, but I always respected his professional demeanor. No one else could have a tooth pick in his mouth and still exhilarate class. As a sports fan I always respect winners because it is transferable into real life experiences. My condolences to the family. Carry the baton to the next level.

Stephanie Brown-Valderrama

April 10, 2011

Mrs. Christian, Charlene, and Annette,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Charlene,I have spent lots of great days in your home with your family and grew to love all of you. I remember our VSU days, when we were on line together and when you got the chickenpox in your thirties... your mom and dad were right there with us while we enjoyed each others friendship. I fondly remember your dad with that signature toothpick in his mouth during the good old days when he coached Jarrell Wilkerson at NSU. I know how it is to lose a dad, since mine transitioned just last May,at age 83 as well. Our dads both lived long meaningful lives, but you like me....daddy's girls, never wanted to lose them. All I can say is the pain will ease up but you will grieve his loss the remainder of your days. God will see you through it and I know you all have known and loved the greatest Comforter, Jesus, for many years so you girls will be just fine. Take care of each other and know I am hear for you all if you need me.
Much love for you, my VSU-DST sister.

Christy Johnson-Henderson

April 9, 2011

To the Christian family: my deepest thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time of your loss. Coach Christian was an inspiration to many of us. He will be greatly missed but his light will forever shine.

Anita Dickerson - Dixon

April 9, 2011

Charlene, I extend my deepest condolences to you and your entire family. I remember meeting your dad way back in the 70's when we were at Virginia State. He was a very special person.
Anita Dickerson - Dixon

Mr & Mrs Marcus Whitfield

April 8, 2011

My deepest condolences go out to the Christian family, coach is now in a better place, coach Christian has been instrumental in all of our lives, He will be truly missed.

Mr & Mrs Marcus Whitfield

April 8, 2011

May god bless the family as they move forward with their lives, coach is now in a better place. Coach has been very instrumental in all of our lives Coach Christian will be truly missed.

April 8, 2011

Sincere condolences. He was a great classmate and brother.

Bob and Dot Edmonds

April 8, 2011

My condolences to the family of Charles Christian. He was a very special person who helped shape my life. Coach, you will be truly missed. Raymond L. Hopkins (Chesapeake)

April 8, 2011

"I Thank God for Every Remembrance of
Coach Chrisitan."

I will always treasure the kindness and
sweet smile of Coach Christian when I
entered his orientation class at NSU
in 1974.

We are forever grateful that Coash will
always be a vital part of our lives.

Sandra, Ariel, Nathan-Michael Smith
Chesapeake, Virginia

Anthony T. Smith

April 7, 2011

Charlene and Family,
You have Elnora and my deepest sympathy and prayers, during your time of loss. Mr Christian was a fine gentlemen, caring and very honorable, who will be truly missed by my family. I will keep your mother, sister, you, and your family in prayer.

Jacqueline McKissick

April 7, 2011

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Doris R. Mangrum

April 7, 2011

Our prayers and deepest sympathy in the loss of this great Basketball and "Life" Coach. He had an im -measurable influence on countless lives he touched.
- Former NSU Women's Basketball Coach.

Karen Walker Murphy

April 7, 2011

Coach Christian was a wonderful person and was always pleasant to be around. I would see him lots of time in around the gym and he always spoke as if he knew me. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time of bereavement.

Lamont Simmons

April 7, 2011

"My deepest sympathy goes out the family,friends,colleagues,neighbors and students on the passing of our beloved coach. He is truly missed."

Chris Smith

April 7, 2011

May Charlene and the entire Christian Family forever cherish the rich memories and lasting examples left by Coach Christian.

On behalf of the Hayden High Family

Veronica & Dennis Cook and family

April 7, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are extended to Charlene and her family during this very difficult time. Mr. Christian was a wonderful person and lived a wonderful life. Cherish the memories you had with him. He is not alone, he is with his Father. Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal. Peace be with you.

Jacqueline Eley

April 7, 2011

Charlene & Family:
My prayers of comfort are with you and your family during your time of loss. Gods arm are not too short that He can not reach you. Your "pops" was very special to me. He was my first academic advisor at NSU. I will forever cherish the memories I have of him. I always wondered if the "toothpick" would fall out of his mouth when he got to talking really fast. He was a great man. May he rest in peace. I appreaciate the time he took with me. Jackie Smith Eley NSU graduate Class of '88

Harry E & Geraline Cox

April 7, 2011

Dear Family,
May you be comforted by the prayers offered for your strength. Coach Christian was loved by many.

Anna Ferrell

April 7, 2011

Coach Chris you have influenced and inspired so many in your life. God Bless you. You will be missed. Rest in peace.

James E. Henderson, Jr.

April 7, 2011

A great supporter in the struggle of the NAACP. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

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