Elizabeth J. Christian

Elizabeth J. Christian was born March 22, 1927, in Smithfield, Virginia to the late Willie Ann James and Benjamin James.  She was an only child but had numerous cousins, aunts and uncles.  Elizabeth is predeceased by her husband Charles O. Christian of 61 years.  She was a former elementary educator with the Newport News Public and Suffolk Public School Systems for over 35 years. She also taught in Kilmarnock, Virginia.  Elizabeth was a member of Second Baptist Church East End in Newport News, until she moved to Suffolk with her husband and together they joined First Baptist Church, Mahan St. Mrs. Christian graduated from Huntington High School in Newport News and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Home Economics from Virginia State College (University) in 1948 and received her Masters of Arts in Education from Hampton Institute (University) in 1974. She was a charter member of the Epsilon Theta Zeta Chapter Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.  She was a member of the Retired Teachers Association, Life Member of the NAACP, Hoffler Home for Adults Board Member, LaVogue Club, Game Club and other organizations. She was a proud member of the Virginia State College Concert Choir and the First Baptist Church Mahan Street Excelsior Choir. Left to cherish her precious memory are her daughters and sons-in-law, Charlene and James Andrews and Annette and Jerome Ross; loving nephew and niece, Horace and Peggy Christian, great-nephew, Horace, Jr. and special cousin Jason Christian-Connor, god-children, Sherman Z. Logan (Franka) and Debora K. Logan and dear friends, Mary D. Morton, Ines Taylor and Vermelle T. Byrd. She also leaves to cherish her memory “loving sons” Peter Mitchell, Jarrell Wilkerson, Arthur Barrett, Kenneth Harrison, a host of “basketball sons”, The Suffolk Boosters Club and a beloved community.  A Wake to celebrate Mrs. Christian’s life will be held Saturday, February 24th from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at Christian Home Baptist Church, Windsor, VA.  The Homegoing Service will be held Monday, February 26th at Noon at First Baptist Church Mahan Street. She will be laid to rest in Holly Lawn Cemetery. Condolences to the Christian family may be extended to www.crockerfuneralhome.com. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Elizabeth J. Christian, please visit our flower store.