Gregory Albert Christian, age 59, passed away on May 16,2025…

Gregory Albert Christian was the cherished firstborn son of Albert Christian and Lorraine Callan Christian, welcomed into the world on July 27, 1965, at Presbyterian Hospital in Newark, New Jersey. Gregory was born at 9:35 PM, a moment his mother lovingly commemorated with a timely phone call every birthday. As a young boy, Greg relished the attention of being an only child, yet he often longed for a companion to share his adventures. So, when he learned at the age of three that his mother was expecting, his heart swelled with excitement. He eagerly awaited the arrival of his baby brother, dreaming of the laughter and fun they would share.  When Bryant finally came home, Greg quickly discovered that newborns mostly sleep and eat — a little disappointed, he waited patiently, knowing that the best was yet to come. And when the time arrived, Greg took the lead in molding their bond, guiding their play and shaping a lifelong brotherhood rooted in fun, love, and loyalty.

Gregory, affectionately known to many as “Greg,” gave his life to the Lord at a young age and was baptized with Bryant and his cousins Eric and Darnell by Rev. James A. Scott at Bethany Baptist church.  He also attended youth group at Elmwood United Presbyterian in East Orange.  He began his educational journey at Washington School, where he attended with his cousin Mark Reeves and met Kirk Christopher. The three formed a brotherhood that would endure many years, even as they attended different schools. Greg also graduated from Our Lady of Sorrows and Seton Hall Preparatory School, where he began to shine not only academically but athletically.  A gifted athlete, Greg excelled in track and field, particularly in the indoor/outdoor 400m hurdles, 800m run, and 5k cross-country events. His dedication and talent earned him varsity letters in both his junior and senior years. He later pursued higher education at Seton Hall University and Knoxville College in Tennessee, continuing to grow in both intellect and ambition.

Greg was a man made of sheer determination.  As a kid, without a car, he crisscrossed town on foot like it was his personal track meet, sprinting from practice to home, from school to work, always racing the clock to make it back before Albert and Rainey gave him that look for coming in too late. When Greg was about 13, he made a bold announcement to his parents, he had decided he was going on vacation to Florida to visit Uncle Kenny and Aunt Kay. No one took him seriously at first . . . until he showed up with tickets in hand, booked at the local travel agency using money he saved from working. Not only had he planned the trip, but he also bought a ticket for his younger brother Bryant.  From the moment they arrived, Uncle Kenny and Aunt Kay welcomed them with open arms and a jam-packed itinerary.  From the amusement parks, roadside attractions and alligator exhibits to the hunting and fishing with Uncle Kenny’s lifelong friends, Bill and Bubble-lye, they worked up an appetite. And that’s when the real magic happened, Aunt Kay fried up the day’s catch, Aunt Vanessa whipped up the sides, and what followed was nothing short of a southern feast. It was more than just a vacation, it was a rite of passage, a memory stitched into the fabric of Greg’s youth, full of laughter, love, and the kind of joy that only comes from family, fried fish, and a little Florida sunshine. And He made that happen!

Greg inherited a strong entrepreneurial spirit, a legacy passed down from his father, Albert, who taught both sons the value of hard work and independence. Together, they operated the family business, AAA Cleaning Service. While still in college, Greg took a bold step and purchased South Mountain Messenger Service, employing others and managing deliveries across New Jersey and New York. His drive and vision led him to Maryland, where his close friend Kirk resided to create and explore new ventures, and later to Philadelphia in pursuit of fresh opportunities.  He then migrated to Ohio, where he reunited with Bryant. He soon thereafter began managing the marketing department of their mortgage company.  At the same time, Greg also ventured into event promotions, successfully hosting nationally recognized music and comedy acts in multiple shows across Cleveland and Akron.

Greg met, fell in love and married Carolyn Myricks. They created a home in Orlando, FL, where they enjoyed many happy years together until they decided to live separate productive lives. Greg co-founded a successful business, Sapphire Medical Services, with his partner Paula, connecting patients with medical treatment and legal assistance. It was the culmination of countless entrepreneurial efforts come true.

Greg returned to Ohio with a heart full of memories from his time in Florida and a quiet hope of prosperity, knowing that Ms. Moore’s warm, home-cooked meal was always waiting, and that Uncle Joe, the family’s beloved adopted uncle, would be there with kind wisdom and advice.

He also returned to Ohio carrying the weight of his father’s declining health, dementia, that was slowly dimming the light of the man who had once been his rock. The pull of family, duty, and love brought him home. Not long after, he was joined by LaKayla Douglas, the woman who captured his heart, and her two children, Kayden and Xena. Together, they began to build something beautiful, a home filled with laughter, learning, and emotional security, where the kids could thrive and feel safe. Greg, with his boundless energy and playful soul, became a natural in this new chapter. With him, even the simplest moments, jumping at the trampoline park, reading books, posing as a hairdressing model, turned into magical adventures. He wasn’t just a partner or a stepfather. He was a source of joy and a steady presence.

Greg leaves to mourn his absence: his loving partner, LaKayla Douglas, and children Kayden and Xena, whom he loved as his own; his devoted mother, Lorraine Christian, his beloved brother, Bryant K. (Michelle) Christian; treasured nephew, Brennan K. Christian; his bonus siblings, Trina, Taquan and Taya Williams; his uncle, Kenneth G. (Vanessa); his aunts, Kay Christian, Pearl Christian, and Henrietta Christian; beloved cousins Andre Green, Teena Duncan-Smith, Tammy Christian, Rose (Tawan) Ussery, Shivelle (Jamie) Brown, Kenneth Christian, Jr., Eric Christian, Brandy (Mike) Williams, Ali Duncan, Mufid Mohammed, Rudy (Ramona) Christian, Rodney Christian, Rickey Christian, Lon (Charlotte) Christian and a host of loving family and friends.