Deaconess Mary E. Stuart Curtis

On September 7, 1941, Mary Elizabeth Stuart Curtis was born to Alberta Stuart and the late Deacon George Stuart in King George, Va. Mary would spend her adolescent years in the Igo area of King George. In her youth, she always had an affinity for God. She loved going to church and accepted Christ at a young age.

Mary was a graduate of Ralph Bunch High School. After graduation, Mary began a new chapter in her life in Baltimore, Md. She maintained her testimony and love of God while there and later became a member of Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church. While in Baltimore, she met and became enamored with Raymond Elton Curtis. After a very brief courtship, Raymond and Mary knew they were made for each other and were united in holy matrimony on August 24, 1967. From this union, God blessed them with two beautiful children, daughter, Lesley Elton and son, Raymond Ervin. Mary spent many memorable years in Baltimore raising her family. Upon the passing of her husband on June 22, 1982, Mary decided to return to King George County where she could best rear her children and have the support of her family.

In her lifetime, Mary held various positions, but her greatest and most revered was that of Mother and Grandmother. She was affectionately known by her grandchildren as ''MaMa.'' Mary loved her family with an unconditional love. Without fail, Mary lovingly prepared dinner for her children and grandchildren each and every Sunday. She took great pride in her famous fried chicken and her delicious macaroni and cheese. The moments shared around Mary's table on Sundays provided a sense of love, laughter and belongings, not only for her children and grandchildren, but for her sisters, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mary was known for being firm and true to what she believed. She was proud of her family and often times toted pictures to work to showcase her beautiful grandchildren, neices and nephews to all she encountered. Mary was very witty and could make one laugh with a simple facial expression or unexpected comment. She was faithful in all her endeavors and never once did one have to worry about her not keeping her word.

Mary was a faithful member of the People's Union Baptist Church. She served as a Deaconess, a member of the Sanctuary Choir and as the Church Sexton. She was committed to her church and more importantly she was committed to God. Even as her health began to fail, she never missed a church service. Mary knew the importance of putting God first and the life she lived was proof of that belief.

She leaves to cherish her memory: daughter, Lesley Ashton(Marcus), son, Raymond Curtis(Shana); seven grandchildren, Jerald, Ryan, Joshua, Ayanna, Lauren, Aaron and Marcus, Jr; her mother, Alberta Stewart; three sisters, Helen Gross(John), Gloria Jones and Laura Steward; three brothers-in-law, Edward Walden, Sr., James Curtis(Gail) and Robert Curtis(Ann); two sisters-in-law, Mary Stevens(Mark) and Ethel Parker; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Deacon George W. Stuart and brother, Milton Parker.

Funeral Home:
Cedell Brooks Funeral Home
25662 A.P. Hill Blvd
Port Royal, VA
US 22535