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Marguerite Christian Obituary

CHRISTIAN, Marguerite Priscilla Friend, Servant of God and member of First Baptist Church Centralia; Educator and administrator in Chesterfield Schools for nearly 40 years; Community and Civic Worker; Eldest Member of the Friend Family in the Centralia area; Religious Worker, Historian and Friend. A Christian and a Friend, departed this life September 24, 2007 at her home. She is survived by one sister-in-law, Louise P. Friend; her devoted niece, friend and caregiver, Brenda Friend Briggs and her family; eldest and sole-surviving nephew, James B. Friend Jr. and his family; and niece, Ethel Williams Cherry and her family. She was predeceased by her husband, John H. Christian; sister, Elaine F. Williams; three brothers, James, Spurgeon and Robert Friend; two nephews, one great-nephew, and godson. In her honor, scholarships were established several years ago to carry out her life's mission to preserve history and to enhance the education of children, to include: The Marguerite Christian Scholarship at the Children's Home of Virginia Baptists in Matoaca, The Marguerite Friend Christian Educational Fund, c/o Chesterfield Public Education Foundation, and a fund c/o Brenda Friend Briggs at P.O. Box 3873, Chester, Va. 23831, for the support of educational and historical endeavors. Viewing and a wake for family, friends and colleagues will be held at her beloved First Baptist Church, Centralia, 2920 Kingsdale Road, Richmond, Va. 23237, from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 27. A Delta Sigma Theta ceremonial tribute will be from 5 to 6 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church, Centralia on Friday, September 29, at high noon. Interment in Sunset Memorial Park, Chester, Va. The family may be contacted at Mrs. Christian's home at 804-271-7341 or 748-8214, or at www.mimmsfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch from Sep. 25 to Sep. 27, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Marguerite Christian

Not sure what to say?





susan jackson

October 9, 2007

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007

A Former Student in Chesterfield County

October 1, 2007

Mrs. Christian was a very graceful woman. I remember her coming into the class room quietly and gracefully when I attended elementary school listening and taking notes. She never disturbed the class room but when she entered all the students were quite as a mouse and gave her much respect. Her love for children and concern for their education will never be forgotten. May she rest in peace for she deserve all the rewards for a life well lived.

Deaconess Dr. Mrs. Sandra Farmer Baugh

September 30, 2007

Remember Christians/Friends & Families/Caregivers/Helpers, etc. & especially beloved niece Attorney (Mrs.) Brenda Friend Briggs & hubby(smiles), God Almighty gave us memories that we might have floral choices in Decembers. Reflections of a "royal regal (christian) role model/supervisor...strutting her stellar stuff"...Fall/Spring 1953-54/57-58 at Midlothian Elementary School...Principal (Mrs.) Catherine M. Scott (1st/5th grade teacher)..."Assistant Principal" (Miss) Elnora Winston (2nd grade teacher)....(A+) How did they do it ??? Deaconess (Mrs.) Christian was the epitome of christian, dignified, well-educated, professional, sophisticated elegance(+).... There is no one/last word...to express the greatness of her impression upon students.... To God be the Glory (Psalms 115)....Deaconess Dr. (Mrs.) Sandra Farmer Baugh/Deacon Haywood A. Baugh, Jr. too !!! (deceased) & Families/Classes/Sorors/Graduates/*Midlothian Elementary School,1960 & Carver High School,1965.

Elsie Goodwyn Holland

September 28, 2007

Our heartfelt sympathy to Mrs. Christian's family. I had the pleasure of working with her in Chesterfield County in my first teaching position. She was my supervisor. Mrs. Christian directed our wedding and we will remember her fondly.
Elsie Goodwyn Holland and Kenneth G. Holland

Elder Sandra Goode Tucker

September 28, 2007

To the Christian/Friend Family,
To have known Ms.Marguerite since childhood was to love her. Her work in the church and community has left a deep and lasting impression in all of our lives.
May you find comfort in her memory and know that God has given his faithful servant well deserved rest from labor.
The Goode Family

Angela Clark Greene

September 28, 2007

Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Ernestine Wilson

September 28, 2007

One of my earliest memories is of Mrs. Christian sitting talking with my mother, Ernestine Wyche Gregory, in the kitchen of our home on Curtis Street in Chester. It was in that same kitchen where some number of years later she sat with me and my brother, Arthur and ministered to us in an effort to help us deal with the fact that God had taken our mother home to be with Him. When Fred and I got ready to get married, she was one of the first persons from First Baptist Centralia to call to ask what could she do to help...and help us, she did!

From providing tutorial books in math for me, to offering rides to church for us, from offering wisdom and knowledge about everything from being a lady to educational pursuits, Mrs. Margaurite Friend Christian was "there" for me.

I thank God for her life and the marvelous impact it had on the lives of so many of us who were blessed to see her lead by example from her office at George Washington Carver High School in Chester, Virginia. The fact that a school in our county is named for her because of the outstanding service she provided as the Supervisor of Elementary Education for schools that housed us, those children who went on to become strong, proud African American citizens is a testimony to her greatness. Hers was a wonderful life...full and fruitful. May we all seek to leave her kind of legacy.

May God bless you, my Friends.

Love,

Ernestine Gregory Wilson

From the Staff of Mimms Funeral Home

September 28, 2007

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

lynn Tyler

September 27, 2007

A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9. We extend our sympathy to the Friend Family. Archie & Lynn Tyler

Singleton Family

September 27, 2007

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Alvis Lisa Devante & Audrey Singleton

September 27, 2007

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.

Gail Feind

September 27, 2007

My heartfelt sympathy to Mrs. Christian's familly. I had the pleasure of being on staff at Marguerite Christian Elementary when it opened its doors to the students and parents in 1995. It was an honor to have met her and to learn of the many ways in which she touched the lives of young people. May you be comforted in knowing that her legacy to Chesterfield County will live on forever.

Blessings,

Hickory Hill - Class of 1947

September 27, 2007

Please accept our deepest sympathies.

Gwen & Leon Williams

September 27, 2007

We loved "Mother Marguerite" from the moment we met her. We shared many joyful memorable times, whether in her home or on outings (such as special events at the Children's Home of Virginia Baptists or a fun trip to the museum). She was a gracious, classy lady, who could explode in hearty laughter. We miss her and will love her and cherish our memories of her always. We are happy that she is reunited with her loved ones who have gone on before.

Lutrelle . Rainey, Sr.

September 27, 2007

It is rare in life to find a Christian woman whose total life reflect her faith. Mrs. Christian was one of those rare persons, whom I had the good fortune of working with as a trustee of the Children's Home of Virginia Baptist and as the Pastor of the Shiloh Baptist Church, of Chesterfield County, Va.

Her love for children and people was unsurpassed and her life influenced and served as a role model for so many people and educators who followed in her footsteps. Surely her works will follow her and she now rest from her labors.

My family and I share in and give Yahweh/God the praise for sending a woman like her to minister to and be a confident to so many people, including me.

Former Students Who Attended Midlothian Elem. School, 50's & 60's Era

September 27, 2007

Memories of Mrs. Christian as Supervisor of Chesterfield County All Black Schools during the 1950's and early 60's.

Geraldine Harris

September 27, 2007

God be with you!
Chesterfield Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,Inc.

Barron A. Cheatham and family

September 26, 2007

I am saddened by the lost of our dear friend and neighbor. Mrs. Christian has had a tremendous impact on the children of Chesterfield County and her devotion to the school system of Chesterfield speaks volumes. I am blessed and privileged to have known her. May God continue to safeguard her and may her spirit live within us eternally. Our condolence is extended to the family as well.

Geraldine Harris

September 26, 2007

God be with you!
Geraldine J. Harris
Chesterfield Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

The Spurlock Family

September 26, 2007

Be Still

Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.

Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.

If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.

Latae Spurlock

September 26, 2007

Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Charles Tanner

September 26, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Charles & Josephine Tanner

Alice Pyer

September 25, 2007

Oh what a friend Cousin Marguerite was to me and my entire family. She will surely be missed, but it is a good feeling to know that she will be in a better place. May God bless.

The Pyer/Berry Family

Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results

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