Stevens-McGhee Funeral Home, Inc. | Quitman, GA

Obituary For Deacon Elvis Christian

OBITUARY

Elvis was born to the late Turner Sr. and Annie Bell Sneed Christian on a cold winter morning, December 18, 1960. He was the youngest of nine siblings and was affectionately known as “Big Baby” to his family.

He attended grade school at Simmon Hill Elementary and graduated from Brooks County High School in 1979. His love for automobiles and the joy of making an old car “run like new” stirred his life-long passion in auto mechanics. He furthered his dream in the restoration of cars and trucks by completing the Automotive Repair program at Thomas Technical Institute, now Southern Regional Technical College. After graduating from the Tech, he accepted a position with the Ryder Truck Rental Company and later transferred to the Taltran Transit System in Tallahassee, Florida.

Growing up in the country gave Elvis a passion for working in agriculture. He obtained a dual Associates degree from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Business Management & Agricultural-Business in December 2000.

After graduation, he served as a regional produce purchaser and inspector for several supermarket chains, including Winn-Dixie and Kroger.

He was able to combine his two loves: agriculture and auto mechanics. He used this combination to support his family’s business, Christian Brother’s Farm, which transported locally grown fruits and vegetables around the US.

Elvis had a love for education and shared his knowledge with others as a defensive driving instructor, a commercial driving (CDL) instructor at Bainbridge College, and while working part-time as a skilled parts salesman at O’Riley’s Auto Parts in Cairo, Georgia.

Elvis used his knowledge and love for driving, while serving as the District Transportation and Training Coordinator for the Southwest Georgia Community Action Council. He worked for the Head Start program for more than 15 years. He was dedicated to his task of making sure that he had properly trained drivers and well-maintained transportation; ensuring his “tiny tots” and drivers were transported to and from school safely.

He confessed Christ at an early age, and upon the confession of his faith, he was baptized and joined the Beulah Hill Missionary Baptist Church family. There, he served God faithfully as an ordained member of the Deacon Board and a member of the Usher Board and various ministries. He took pride and joy in greeting members and visitors into the House of the Lord. Elvis always acknowledged God as the head of his life and would remind us that God is still in charge and encouraged us to show love and exercise faith the size of a mustard seed.

Many will remember Elvis for his role as “Santa Claus” during the annual Christmas program held at Beulah Hill. Along with his beautiful smile, he passed out fruit, small gifts, and laughter to the children and adults.

In 1982, Elvis was united in Holy Matrimony to Alesia Robbs, the love of his life. This union brought them closer to God. It allowed them to share a spiritual connection, which enabled them to glorify God by serving on the Usher’s Board and chairing various programs together.

To this beautiful union, three children were born: Cameron, their angel, Maranda, & Candace. And although she was his niece, Jemeka was like another daughter. His children were the light of his life, and he took pride in making sure they were well taken care of.

On Sunday, April 19, 2020, Elvis traded in his earthly life for a seat at the welcome table, where we know he is feasting on milk and honey, and probably looking for a stick of “Big Red” chewing gum.

Elvis was a faithful servant of God, a devoted husband, a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend to his family and the entire community. He leaves to cherish his sweet memories: his wife, help meet, and usher partner, Alesia R. Christian; his children: Maranda, Valdosta, GA and Candace, Thomasville, GA. Two beautiful grandchildren, who were the love of his life: Rion Alivia (his Pee Wee) and Carter (his Little Man), Valdosta, GA.; One beloved sister, Carolyn Waters; eight brothers: Willie James (Corine),Turner Lee Sr., and Edward Sr. all of Boston, GA; Leonard (Arunita), Jeffery (Patricia) both of Thomasville, GA, and Frank (Chalinee) of Cerritos, California; Sister-in-laws: Mattie Robbs, Cairo, GA, Evangelist Annett Christian, Boston, GA; Aunts and Uncle: Louise Sneed; Mildred Sneed; and special Uncle Kenneth Sneed all of Thomasville, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and friends.

Preceding him in Death: his baby girl, Cameron; grandmother, Sister Pearlie Sneed, and brother: Herbert Christian Sr.; Mother-in-law: Doris Smith Robbs, Sisters-in-law: Cassandra and JoAnn; brother-in-law: John Waters; nephews: Herbert Christian Jr and Derrick Waters

A private service will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2020 at 11AM. Tune into the live stream on our website or on our facebook page, Saturday at 11AM to be a part of Deacon Christian's home going celebration.

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Guest Book

Beautiful service! I didn't know Mr. Elvis a long time but I enjoyed talking with him. Praying for peace and comfort. He will be missed. .

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May care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead. My most sincere condolences. Elvis will greatly be missed. Michelle Chambliss (Early County Head Start)

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Praying for comfort for the Christian Family.I met Elvis when I was a teacher at Thomas Co.Headstart.Always had a big smile on his face.He will be missed.Catherine G. Jones

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May God continue to strengthen you and your family. He will be greatly missed at Sumter County CDC we love you Mr. Christian you helped us myself and Ms Smith to save gas and milage for our cars by taking the bus home. Thank you because heaven has gained an Angel

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I remember when I first came to stay with Aunt Bell and Elvis and I were playing and I cracked him over the head with a fishing pole. If looks could kill, I would have been dead, so I took off. He waited for me to come out of Lee's house but Aunt Bell saved me. She came out and called me and told me to come eat dinner. I ran to her and Elvis was right on my tail. Aunt Bell looked at him and told him "boy you better go on" and Elvis grins point his finger at me and walk away. He was always smiling even when he was mad. I will love him always and cherish our together time.

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My Deepest Condolences to the family SHARON Warren Daniels and family

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May the love, grace and blessings of God continue to enclose you in his wings. My prayer is that you will allow God to be your comforter now and forever more. There is nothing God will not do for his children. Step inside those wings and allow him to enclose you in his arms and give it ALL to him. Be BLESSED IN THE LORD. Now and forever more. Evelyn Bryant & Family

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Sending my condolences to the Christian family. Praying that God will comfort and give you peace. Patricia Williams Head Start family

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He was a great man always there when you need him he truly will be missed God bless his family know that this is God will

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To the Christian Family: May you find comfort and peace at this time. Elvis will be missed. His kindness never forgotten. Jeaniffer Washington

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Sincerest condolences to the Christian family. Elvis will be missed by many. I worked with him at Head Start for nearly 15 years and every year we were guaranteed to celebrate our birthday month together over lunch. He was one of the happiest people I knew and always had a smile on his face that I will always remember. Rest easy buddy! Tarnet Porter

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Sincerest condolences to the Christian family. Elvis will be missed by many. I worked with him at Head Start for nearly 15 years and every year we were guaranteed to celebrate our birthday month together over lunch. He was one of the happiest people I knew and always had a smile on his face that I will always remember. Rest easy buddy! Tarnet Porter

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May God strengthen the Christian family during this time of bereavement. When I started working for Head Start as a bus driver he was my transportation specialist. After years of driving I decided it was time for a change. I told him I'm going to change my job title to a teacher. Only thing he said you can do it and encourage me to go for it. And I told him if they ever need me to drive I would. He was a great man. We will miss him and that smile. Sending prayers and love your way. Teretha Bailey Foster-Culbertson Head Start

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Ole buddy, Ole Pal....such a kindhearted and gentle soul. You will be greatly missed around Head Start. Extending my deepest sympathy and condolences to the Christian family. Shauna Fryson

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Praying for his family as well as our headstart family. Things will not be the same. You will truly be missed for your sweet sense of humor that you always brought when you'd come around and when you'd teach our trainings. Condolences to the family. Mrs. Cannon ~ Lee Headstart

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He was a wonderful co-worker he always had a smile . I'm just heartbroken see you in Heaven my brother.

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I meet Mr. Christian while I worked at Sumter Head County Head start. As a new center director he greeted me with great big welcome and smile. He also laughed at me when I told him that I was going to learn how to drive a bus. To his wife, children, grandchildren, and family he spoke of you all often. He loved the Lord, he loved his family, and his job. He will be truly missed. My family and I will continue to keep all of lifted in prayer. Ms. Sondra Hudson

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To Elvis' family, I worked with Elvis at Headstart when I was fresh out of college almost 18 years ago. He was a wonderful man and one of the funniest people I've ever met. He often called me his little riding buddy. I ran into him just a couple of months ago and we took a photo which I posted on facebook with the caption "a blast from my past". I will miss him dearly. Sending prayers and love your way. Kim Yarbrough

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I am praying that your memories of Mr. Christian will comfort and sustain you in the days, weeks, months and years ahead!As a former co-worker at Tri-County Head Start (Buena Vista) it was a pleasure working with him! He was joyful when he visited the center and he always made time to speak and talk to everyone! I know that he will be missed dearly! David & Melanie Thomas

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Praying for Mr.Christian family.He will be truly miss by his Decatur/Grady Headstart family.One gretest coworker we every known.You will be forever missesd

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TO: His wife, children, and siblings. We at Sumter County Head Start will miss Elvis more than you know. He had an infectious smile, always willing to help when we called. You knew when Elvis was in the building, you could hear his voice up and down the hallways. Please know that we loved him and will miss him, he will never be forgotten. We pray that God's Love will bring comfort and a greater understanding for your loss. Heaven gained an Angel with a loving and caring heart.

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Praying for comfort for the Christian family. Elvis and I were co-workers at SW GA CAC for the past 15 years, lately we joked about retiring at the same time and "walking away together". I had just told him to hold on 6 more years and we will do this! I will certainly miss our talks about what we were going to "throw on the grill". Staff at our agency become more like friends and family ... we will all miss you, Elvis!

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Stevens-McGhee Funeral Home, Inc.