On Saturday, September 8, 2023, Christine Elizabeth Lockhart Canada, a beloved mother, passed away at the age of eighty-two. She was born the fourth of 8 children, on September 9, 1940, in Harvest, Alabama, to Tommie Lee and Mollie Louise (Hanserd) Lockhart. Three siblings preceded her in death – Queeny Ethel, Louise Verbena and George Carver. In 1952, Christine accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her savior during a revival at Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church (PGMBC), under the guest minister Rev. Walter Pride and the PGMBC pastoral care of Rev. Alfred Booker.
Christine was passionate about music, singing, and actively participating in the church choir. She frequently performed solos and occasionally joined a quartet with her sisters – Queeny, Louise, Doris, and accompanied on the piano by mother Mollie.
In her formative years, Christine attended Nelson Elementary, Dogwood Flats Middle School and graduated from Trinity High School in Athens, Alabama. At Trinity, Christine sang in the school choir, and as often as she could, sang at various events and programs.
After high school, Christine applied and was accepted to Knoxville College, in Knoxville, Tennessee, on a music scholarship. She pursued a major in Music, with a concentration in voice. She later transferred to Alabama A & M University, in Normal, Alabama. At AAMU, she became a beloved member of the world famous AAMU Choir under the conduction and direction of Nell Lane Bradford and Chair of Department of Music Education, Rev. Dr. Henry Bradford, Jr. This mentorship, friendship and bond lasted a lifetime.
While attending college, Christine met a dashing young NASA engineer-intern from Tuskegee University, named Grady Stanley Canada from Camp Hill, Alabama.
Stan and Christine tied the knot, in her parent’s home in Harvest, Alabama, on February 13, 1966, and their marriage brought forth two sons, Marcus Stanley and Terrence Christopher Canada. They shared a loving marriage for 13 wonderful years until Stan’s passing in 1979. Her love and devotion to Stan did not waiver, even after his death, as she affectionately referred to him as, “my dear hubby, my dear Stan”.
Once moving back to Huntsville, Christine took up the calling to sing for the Lord. She used her talent to sing in the AAMU Alumni Choir, Trinity Alumni Choir, Oakwood University Christmas Choir as well as the First Baptist Church (Governor’s Drive) Christmas Choir. Later, she was reunited with the Bradford’s at their church, Church Street Cumberland Presbyterian (CPCA), as a choir member under the direction of Mrs. Nell Lane Bradford. Her choir membership spanned the decades from CPCA pastorship of Rev. Dr. Henry Bradford, Jr. and Rev. Dr. Mitchell M. Walker, Sr. Her singing was requested across the country in churches, weddings and special events.
Christine volunteered to work with local hospitals, numerous churches and senior centers to uplift the elderly, sick-and-shut-in and those that needed assistance. She dedicated time to the NAACP of Huntsville to assist with their “register to vote” initiative in the local community. She developed a passion for politics while volunteering to be on the campaign at the Madison County field office for the 2008 Democratic Party nominee President Barack Obama.
Those who knew and cherish the roles Christine played in life will always fondly remember – a devoted wife, mother, sister, friend and Christian. To all, thoughts of Christine will also manifest memories that she enjoyed shopping, cooking, attending church, visiting family and friends and presenting herself with style and flair.
She is survived by 2 sons: Marcus, Terrence (Jessica) Canada, 4 siblings: Doris Sizer, Tommie (Veronica) Lockhart, Ida Hamlet and Kenneth Lockhart.
Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Sunday, September 17, 2023, at the Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church (759 Pine Grove Road Unit A, Harvest, AL 35749) with Reverend Earla Sue Lockhart officiating. Interment will be in the Northside Cemetery. Mrs. Canada will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time.
The Canada family will receive guests from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday, September 16, 2023, at the Royal Chapel of Memories.
Public viewing will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Saturday, September 16, 2023, and 9:00 until 11:00 a.m., Sunday, September 17, 2023, at the Royal Funeral Home.
