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Mrs. Damaris “Dee” Lee Curtis, age 77, of Fayetteville, passed away April 8, 2020.
Dee was born on April 4, 1943 to the late Henry and Ellen Pask. She grew up in Medina, New York alongside her identical twin sister, Dianne. Dee graduated from Medina High School in 1961 and went on to pursue higher education. She attended the State University of New York at Buffalo where she studied mathematics and was a proud member of Chapter AA of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority. Dee earned a Bachelor’s Degree of Science and then continued her studies at Buffalo State Teachers College. In 1967, Dee earned a Master’s Degree in Education which led to her longtime career as a math teacher.
Dee was wed to Airman, Ernest T. Curtis, on July 1, 1967. She began her teaching career at North Tonawanda High School. She also taught at Medina High School for a few years. Ernest’s service in the Air Force led Dee to teach classes in Electronic Principles to airmen at Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois. The couple returned to civilian life with Ernest’s honorable discharge in 1971. Dee resumed teaching math at Alexander Central School. In 1974, Dee became a mother to her beloved daughter Melissa. Dee spent a total of 26 years teaching mathematics in New York. She retired from education in 1996. In 1998, Dee and Ernest moved to Port Orange, FL to enjoy retirement by the ocean. After several years in Florida, the couple relocated to Fayetteville, GA to be closer to family.
Dee loved the Lord and was a longtime member of Evergreen Church in Peachtree City. She enjoyed the church as well as her many friends she made there. She considered herself a “professional grandma” and devoted much of herself to her four grandchildren. She could often be found attending one of their soccer matches, basketball games or cheerleading events. Dee was quiet and bashful. She was completely honest and incapable of telling a lie. She had a green thumb and enjoyed her flower gardens. Dee will be dearly missed by her family and many friends who take comfort knowing that she is now in Paradise with her Lord and Savior.
Dee is survived by her husband of 52 years: Ernest Theodore Curtis of Fayetteville; daughter: Melissa “Missy” Lynne Leonard and her husband Allen Leonard of Peachtree City; grandchildren: Curtis Michael Leonard, Ansley Christine Leonard, Zoe Louise Leonard and Preston Theodore Leonard; sister: Dianne Lynne Domoy and her husband Francis Domoy of Oakfield, NY.
A memorial service will be held in Dee’s honor at Evergreen Church in Peachtree City at a later date. The Curtis family is being assisted by Georgia Cremation, 1086 Hwy 54 West, Fayetteville. Messages of condolence may be left at www.GeorgiaCremation.com.
Amy Leonard says
It is an honor to have been a part of her family. She was always so kind and loving. We will miss her terribly and send love to Missy, Allen, our nieces and nephews, and Ernie. We love you all, Matt, Amy, Michelle, and Will.
Peggy Leonard says
We will miss Dee at family gatherings. Missy, Ernie, Di and family, you are all in our thoughts and prayers. We love you all so much!
Genie says
Dee was always thoughtful and kind to others. She was a special lady. We are sending our love to Ernie, Di, Franny, Curtis, Ansley, Zoe, and Preston.
Mary Ellen McQueen says
So beautiful and such a true testimony for a life well lived. Mrs.Curtis was such a kind and gentle friend to my mom and family. Praying over all of you!
Emily Betters Leavitt says
Such beautiful words for a sweet woman. I have so many wonderful memories of Mrs. Curtis growing up with Missy. My prayers for the whole family.
Carol and Jim Pitts says
We will so miss this beautiful soul and constant source of inspiration. She was always ready for our cherished times sharing lunch after Sunday School, all smiles and joy even when she wasn’t feeling great. We always parted with an “love you” and a kiss on the cheek. She was an amazing person, a miracle of God, a trooper if ever there was one. We will miss her bright light in our lives, but rejoice in her victory over all sickness and death. She must be soaring, a butterfly set free, safe with Jesus. We send love and prayers to dear Ernie, Missy, Dianne and all her loved ones.
Julie Humphrey says
I know all of you will miss her terribly! I always looked forward to her visit! She was a ray of sunshine! Oh how she loved her family! Prayers to all of you!
Bruce and Julie Humphrey
Gena Callis says
Dee will be greatly missed
She was a special & kind lady
My thoughts & prayers are with Ernie, Missy & family& her twin sister.
Jamie says
So sorry for your loss. May you take comfort in God’s promise at John 5:28,29: …the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life…
He will give you strength and courage to cope.
Martha Dayton says
Martha Dayton
Dee was my colleague and friend at Alexander Central School for many years. I am glad she and Ernie got to enjoy nearly 24 years of retirement together, with Missy and her family close by. Through Alexander Dollars for Scholars, the retired staff from the school sponsor a college scholarship annually dedicating it to those we have lost in the preceding year. Dee’s name will be on that scholarship next month.
I send my sympathy and prayers for comfort to Dee’s family and friends. I rejoice with those who have welcomed her into Glory to be with Jesus.
Gail Nelli says
My heartfelt condolences to Ernie, Melissa, Dianne and Dee’s extended family,
As an Alexander CSD colleague, I taught with Dee for many years in our high school. From correspondence with her over the years, I know how much she enjoyed her retirement with Ernie, especially being closer to Melissa and her grandchildren in the later years. Her faith was always strong; her devotion to her family paramount. She no doubt is resting among the angels.
Gail Nelli
Marie Kuhn says
My sincere condolences on the loss of Mrs. Curtis. She was my Algebra teacher at ACS who instilled a love of math in me. Her intelligence, kindness and patience as a teacher were never forgotten and she set an example for the kind of teacher I wanted to be. As a science teacher, I often hear my own students say they “hate math”, and I always reply with “I love it because I had the best math teacher.” I will always hold Mrs. Curtis dear to my heart for the role model and wonderful person that she was to me in my youth.
Mart Jane Hartwig says
RIP my dear cousin, have so many great memories of when we were younger and our parents got together. God Bless
Marie Gniazdowski says
Having just found out of Dee’s passing via a Christmas card, my sympathy and prayers go out to Ernie, Missy and Diane. Dee was my first friend and neighbor when my husband and I bought our first house as newlyweds(next door to the Curtis’s). What a wonderful, kind woman and friend was Dee. I couldn’t have asked for a better neighbor.
Sally Capurso says
Dee came into my thoughts today so it was time to search. Dee and I shared many thoughts as colleagues at Alexander Central School. We often followed each other home as we drove through blizzard- like conditions on route 98. We shared fun times near her pool and correspondence over the years. She was the person who quickly volunteered to host a baby shower for me. Although she wasn’t physically in my life, she was happy with Ernie, Missy and her grands. She will always be in my heart.