Mrs. Mary L. Curtis

April 10, 1945 - October 14, 2018

Mary L. Curtis, daughter of the late Willie Mae Bowen, was born April 10, 1945, in Sumter, South Carolina. At the age of fifteen, upon relocating to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Mary graduated from the former John Harris High School, Class of 1964. She furthered her education attending Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina, and Harrisburg Area Community College, Harrisburg. After thirty-two years of service, Mary retired as a Mass Transit Analyst from the Commonwealth of PA, Department of Transportation, where she received numerous awards for her work ethics and exemplary work. Mary met Ezekiel Curtis in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and they later married in Brooklyn, New York, on April 20, 1968. Their union was blessed with one lovely daughter Charisse. Mary and Ezekiel celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary this year. At an early age while still in Sumter, SC, Mary joined Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church and remained a member until moving to Harrisburg where she attended Wesley Union African Methodist Episcopal Church with her family. In 1971, she joined Beulah Baptist Church, Steelton, PA, under the pastorate of the late Reverend Josephus C. Wallace. During her tenure, Mary served in many ministry positions to include the Mass Choir, Missionaries, Ushers, former Sanctuary Gospel Choir as well as an active discipleship instructor having served as a teacher for the New Members Class, Small Group Discipleship and Vacation Bible School. For more than twenty years, she served as the church’s Financial Secretary. As a choir member, Mary was the lead singer for “There Is No Telling,” “Just Because Of You” and “Jehovah Jireh,” to name a few. Mary’s knowledge was coupled with her wisdom and her beautiful smile. She didn’t mind sharing the Word of God with anyone and everyone. You could call her anytime, day or night, and she would offer you a word of encouragement or share a Bible verse. Not only was Mary a dedicated servant in her church, she was very involved in her community. She was the Organizer and President of the 17th Street Neighborhood Watch, and she also organized the Neighborhood Local National Night Out in conjunction with the National Night Out. In recognition of Citizens Volunteer Services provided in Support of Community Crime Prevention, Mary was awarded the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Governor’s Award on October 30, 1992. Mary was an avid reader of devotional materials and fiction novels. She enjoyed listening to gospel music, gardening, traveling, watching several television shows as “Amazing Race,” “Big Brother,” “Survivor” and “General Hospital,” just to mention a few. Additionally, she enjoyed researching genealogy interests and literature. When time permitted, Mary loved preparing seafood dishes. With her loving family by her side on Sunday, October 14, 2018, Mary departed this earthly life. She leaves to cherish precious, precious memories her husband of fifty years, Ezekiel Curtis of Harrisburg, PA; daughter, Charisse Curtis of Bronx, New York; one brother, Willie Evans (Monica) of Harrisburg, PA; three sisters, Charlotte L. Bellamy (Steve) of Hanover, MD, Sylvia Bowen of Harrisburg, PA, Ruby Tabron (Kenny) of Germantown, MD; sisters-in-law, Julia Griffin, Elveta Birt, Mary German, Naomi Curtis, all of New York, Louise Crosson, Martha Hunter, both of Harrisburg, PA; brothers-in-law, Nathaniel Curtis of Albany, NY, John Curtis of Beaufort, SC, Harry Curtis (Debbie) of Sumter, SC; two godchildren, Ashley Clarke, Brandon Whittleton; three grand-godchildren, Kayla Badgett, Aaron Christopher Badgett, Lindsey Badgett; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. “…the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1:21 Lovingly Submitted by the Family of Mrs. Mary L. Curtis