Mr. Wilbur B. Christian

Brother Wilbur B. Christian traded earth for eternity on Saturday June 11, 2022. He was 97 years old.  Brother Christian, affectionately known as “Chuck," was born in Hampton, Virginia on September 22, 1924, to the late Nora and Harry Christian. He was one of eight children and shared a very strong bond with both his parents and siblings. Chuck gave his life to the Lord Jesus Christ at an early age and was dedicated to Him with all his heart. He was a lifetime member of the First Baptist Church of Hampton and served faithfully in a variety of church ministries and was a charter member of the Christian Fellowship Choir.

Chuck grew up on Union St. and attended Union Elementary school. He later graduated from Phenix High School and attended Hampton Institute, now Hampton University. Chuck was an enthusiastic and involved student at Hampton, but his education interrupted when he was called to serve in the U.S. Army during World War II. After Chuck’s successful combat tour in Europe, he returned to Hampton Institute where he resumed his studies and suited up as a stand out member of both the football and basketball teams.

In 1946, Chuck graduated with a degree in Industrial Arts and an excitement for the future. He began his career as a U.S. Postal Carrier and was noted for his outstanding personality and organizational skills. He was soon promoted to Postal Clerk and made history as the first black employee to integrate the new Aberdeen Post Office. During his tenure, he was instrumental in fostering a smooth transition for the office.

In 1955, Chuck said, “I do,” to his elementary school crush, Dr. Mary T. Christian, better known as “his Mary.” Their epic love story spanned over six decades and was steeped in their strong faith and unconditional love for one another and their families. They had a perfect harmony and loved singing duets together in the high school and church choirs. Their unbreakable bond and unfailing love for one another stood the test of time. When she passed, his heart broke and he longed to join her. Through the pain of moving on, he would often regale us with humorous stories of what he called, “a life well-lived” but he was ready to be reunited with his love, as soon as the Lord had determined his mission here on Earth was complete. We know that his sweet tenor voice is now singing with the angels as he rests in the beauty of paradise holding the hands of his beloved Mary.

In addition to singing with Mary, Chuck was also a member of The Crusaders Male Chorus and was featured as a soloist for many songs. The chorus recorded several albums and was requested to sing at many prestigious events. Chuck delighted in the times the choir would serenade local neighborhoods with their soulful renditions of favorite Christmas carols, especially on snowy nights.

When Chuck was not singing songs, he was singing the praises of the Hampton University sports programs. He rarely missed a football or basketball game when he was well, and he was a faithful and consistent fan at the CIAA and MEAC basketball championship games. He was also a very loyal and active member of the Hampton University National Alumni Association and Booster Clubs, where he served in various leadership roles. Chuck was happy to be known for the annual bus trips he organized to attend the Hampton University Football Classic games. Getting a seat on the bus was always a challenge, as he notoriously had the most fun method of transport to the big game.

Chuck was a multifaceted soul with many interests and talents. He was a youth basketball coach, worked as a successful campaign manager for many local politicians, including his wife’s. He was an advocate for civil rights, and a Lifetime member of the NAACP. Chuck was a proud member of Zeta Omicron Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity for over sixty years. He was a Que’s, Q in all that he did for and with the fraternity. Chuck was also a very active member of Beau Brummel Social & Civic Club where he served as club manager for many years. He loved spending time there playing cards and socializing.  However, his civic duties may arguably have been outshined by his culinary talent.  Chuck was a master chef in the kitchen and loved to cook. His specialties; finger licking fried fish, crispy hard-shelled crabs, sauteed liver and onions, and that buttery, delectable spoon bread, were always a hit with friends and family.

Chuck loved cooking for his family and was so proud of them all. He was always the loudest and biggest cheerleader. He was also a source of wisdom and encouragement to the younger generations in his family. You could count on him to be tough but fair and always coming from a place of love. A love that he shared with his family, friends, church, school and community.

We already dearly miss our Daddy, Chuckie Poo, Pops, Opa, Grandpa— his advice, his laugh, his giving heart and his humor, but we are at peace because we know that he has accomplished his mission in this earthly life as God’s faithful servant. Goodness, mercy, and everlasting joy are his as he lives now in the glory of eternity with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thank you, God for sharing your precious servant with us. “In my Father’s house, there are many mansions…I go to prepare a place for you.” Welcome home Chuck.

Brother Christian was preceded in death by his wife, Dr. Mary T. Christian and son, James E. Taylor. He leaves to cherish his memory his daughters: Dr. Benita Toler (Garvis, Jr.) of Atlanta, GA; and Carolyn Taylor of Hampton, VA; sister-in-law Madeline Lee (Richard, Sr.) of Camarillo, CA; daughter-in-love and caregiver, Alease "Tootie" Taylor: nine grandchildren; Cheryl Smith (Alan), James Taylor (Anita), Ryan Taylor, Maria Velissaris (James), Darren Toler (Catherine), Garvis Toler, III, Steven Morris, Warnette Morris, and Angela Francis: ten great-grandchildren; Alan, ll, James, Jr., Jordan, Garvis IV, Grace, Adam,  Devyne, Alecia, Duwuane, and Dezire; beloved nieces and nephews: Timothy Casey (Pamela), William Casey (Paulette), Harriette Taylor, Andrea Gilbert (John), faithful niece and nephew, Deborah and Ike Turner, Darkesha, whom he cared for and raised, and Sandra Timmons who cared for him like a daughter, and a host of loving relatives and special friends.

Brother Christian’s celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at First Baptist Church of Hampton 229 North King Street, Hampton, Virginia, 23669. Live stream link ~ htpps://www.thefbch.org.

The family will receive visitors at the C.C. Carter Funeral Home, Inc. on Monday June 20, 2022, 5 -7 p.m., located at 3314 Roanoke Ave., Newport News, Virginia 23607. The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Memorial service will begin at 6 p.m.

It was Brother Christian’s request that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Barrett-Peake Heritage Foundation (P.O. Box 1892, Hampton, VA 23669).

It is the desire of the Christian -Taylor family that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The family Mr. Wilbur B. Christian has entrusted his final care to C.C. Carter Funeral Home, Inc.

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