Godfrey Whitfield Christian

“I Lived the Life I Sang About”

Godfrey Whitfield Christian was born on November 4, 1938, from the union of   George and Shirley Christian. Godfrey answered the call from his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to come and take his rest on February 21, 2022.

Godfrey was fondly called “Mickey” by all those who loved him, was the eldest son of seven siblings.  He graduated from Schuylerville Central High School in Schuylerville, New York and attended Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. Godfrey proudly served his country in the United States Army and after receiving an honorable discharge moved to Philadelphia.

Godfrey was employed by Boeing Aircraft, United Parcel Service, and the Marriott Corporation. In 1991, Godfrey moved to Columbus Ohio and came out of retirement to establish a cleaning company serving his community for many years.

Godfrey had a deep passion for music and loved to sing gospel music. He joined St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia where he served for 25 years. He founded the St. Paul Choral Ensemble and was a member of the world-renowned Philadelphia Savettes and the Victory Choral Ensemble. Godfrey joined and became an active member of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in 2002 where he continued his love for singing as being a member of several choirs including the male chorus. He remained faithful until his health began to fail.

In 2006 Godfrey met Sharon Black at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church. They were united in marriage on September 15, 2012. They enjoyed traveling and attending church together. Godfrey was a kind and loving man and enjoyed spending time with his family.

Godfrey was preceded in death by his parents George and Shirley Christian, and three siblings Patricia Grinter (Sister), Shirley Butler (Sister), and Arthur Christian (Brother).

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Sharon Christian; two daughters, Anita Taylor (Robert) of Philadelphia, PA and Tia Platts (Andre Sr.) of Philadelphia, PA; two step-daughters, Jantona Black and Keva Black of Columbus, Ohio; siblings, George Christian, Jr., Martha J. Bester, and Rev. Dr. Johannes Christian of Columbus, Ohio; grandchildren, Julian (Widline) Allen, Corinthia, Christopher, Aaron, Alysce, Atina, Andre Jr, Anthony, Antionne, Lauren and Daniel, 8 great-grandchildren, two god-children, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family members.