Ethel Grace Christian was born March 27th, 1931 to Mr. Sam Kimble and Mrs. Lessie Stribling in Philadelphia, Mississippi. She was 1 of 5 children. As a little girl, it was very clear that Ethel was graced by GOD to sing for His glory. Since childhood, Ethel has been asked to bless audiences on many different stages from her hometown in Mississippi all the way to British Columbia. After losing both of her parents, Ethel moved to Jackson MS where she lived out the majority of her life. Mother Christian as she was affectionately called, was a resilient independent woman with dreams of providing a wonderful life for herself and her children at all costs.

As an adult, life was not easy for Mother Christian. Despite separating from her husband, she was able thrive as a single black mother raising 2 children during racially intense times in the heart of Mississippi. Ms. Ethel maintained gainful employment, engaged in ministry and raised her children all while attending school in hopes of obtaining a cosmetology license. She had grit and a strong will to survive! After passing the cosmetology exam, she began working as a beautician. Her skills as a beautician became highly sought after. Over the next several years Ms. Ethel built up such a diverse group of clients that they would often come to her house after hours for their weekly “beauty treatments”.

Mother Christian’s call to ministry increased as she grew older and more secure in the Lord. She was ordained as a minister of the Gospel at A.M.E Zion Church in 1971. Afterwards, she went on to take many other noteworthy leaps in life and ministry, including earning a certificate in Human development at Hinds Jr. College, singing with gospel artists such as Mosie Watkins, receiving a citation from the state of Mississippi as a member of the Ecumenical Council of Clergywomen INC., co-founding the Trotter and Christian Prayer band and becoming the director of the southern Mississippi Conference of Evangelism.

Mother Christian was also known for her sense of fashion. She was named “best dressed” in the state and was frequently asked to grace the runways of the local fashion scene.

Ms. Christian was a lover of the Lord and her family. She leaves behind a plethora of family to celebrate her homegoing and reunion with her oldest daughter Mary Alice Chatmon and Linda Forman who both preceded her in death. Her son-in-law Harry, grandsons Dewone, Jeffery and Donté, grand-daughters Kimberly, Naketta, Dee and Zohara, great-grandchildren Nastasia, Sadé, Darius, Justin, Joshua, Jordon, Jodi, Jaden, Julian, Briché, Donté Jr, Ericka, Monica, Jaden, Julian great-great-grandchildren Nyjai, Selena, Serenity and Elijah all remain here to enjoy remnants of her love and lessons. Mother Christian also leaves behind a myriad of nieces, nephews, cousins and church family and friends.