A lifelong resident of Chesterfield County, Servant of God, Educator, Family Member, Friend, a contributor to education and prosperity for all, "A Christian and a Friend", departed this life September 24, 2007 at her home. 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. 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. Remains rest at the Mimms Funeral Home, 1827 Hull St., Richmond, Va. 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. Rev. Wilson E. Shannon officiating. 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.