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Mr. William Curtis, Sr., age 89 of St. Louis passed from this life on December 2, 2020. He was born on January 7, 1931, to Albertha and Charles Curtis and was the second of three children which include his two sisters, Charlesetta and Mary Ellen.
He attended Vashon High School and upon graduation enrolled in Philander Smith College where he earned a bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the Army where he played his beloved trombone in the Army band. After his military discharge he worked as a teacher in the Saint Louis City Public School system and had a second career working at the Post Office where he met a special woman.
Iva Newton brought three loving daughters to William’s life, Joy, Billie Jean and Donna. After their marriage in 1960 two more children were added to this special union, William Jr and Wanda.
He continued his education and earned his Master of Education from the University of Missouri. His hard work paid off when he was promoted to a School Administrator and then eventually, a Principal. Throughout his career he left a legacy with his students that still to this day remember him fondly. He loved traveling with his wife whether it was for business or to visit friends and family.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Iva, his younger sister Mary Ellen, a stepdaughter Billie Jean and one granddaughter, Elish.
He is survived by a loving family including stepdaughters Joy and Donna, son William Jr (Annetta) and daughter Wanda. He has several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Grandchildren, (Joy) Daryl Robinson; (Billie) Eugene Robinson; (Donna) Brandon, Elish, William and Erin MacDonald; (William Jr.) Christin, Courtney (Ryan) and Charles Curtis and (Wanda) Kristy Wideman. Great-grandchildren, Brandon, Christopher and Ivanna Robinson and Leilani Wideman. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and a very large extended family and many friends across the country.
We will hold a loving memorial service at a later date. He would not want his family and friends to risk contracting COVID-19 in order to celebrate his life, love of music and love for the Lord.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
The family is being assisted by Georgia Cremation, 3570 Buford Hwy #202, Duluth, GA 30096 (678) 584-0914 www.GeorgiaCremation.com
Donna MacDonald says
Dad,
Your memory is a blessing to all who were privileged to know you. This world is less without you and much more by you having been in it. You are with the family and friends that went before you and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Rest well in His arms.
My gratitude and my love,
Donna
Tammy Rose says
My deepest condolences to the Curtis family. His light will surely be missed! Rest In Peace Mr. Curtis <3
Bill Russell says
My deepest condolences to the family. Wanda if you ever need to talk or need a friend I am here.
Mary B. Diboll says
Bill’s friends at Westminster Presbyterian Church in St. Louis remember Bill fondly for his gracious presence in our midst. Those of us who taught in the St. Louis Public Schools also remember sharing stories about our times in the system. Bill was always a source of information about teaching–a real mentor. Also a great “Presbyter.” He served faithfully in the governing bodies of the Presbyterian Church and shared his wisdom during that service.
He will be missed. Grace and peace to his family.
Herman & Olga Noah says
William was a great man in many ways, his musical talents and good advise on life was a joy to my wife and me. Grace and peace to
the family.
Karen Carter says
Mr. Curtis was a wonderful educational leader and friend. My husband and I worked with him at Gundlach Elementary School where we were always impressed by his vast vocabulary, long and intriguing conversations and warm smile. Our condolences to the family.
Ernest and Karen Glass Carter
Shirley Harris says
Shirley Harris, March 17, 2021. Mr. Curtis was one of my favorite principals,
he was not only a tremendous leader, he was a mentor and a caring person. I was privileged to have known him. He was a great asset to Carver Elementary.
Judy Wasserman says
Judy Wasserman, March 26, 2021. Please accept my deepest sympathy to the family of William Curtis.
As my principal at Carver Elementary School, Mr. Curtis was a caring and supportive administrator. I was
a new teacher at Carver and at wits end with the new class that had been formed in October. I was ready to quit
but with his support and leadership, I persevered. I have the highest regard for him, and he played an important
role in my teaching career. He was a man of character and dignity. I recall when Mr. Curtis retired he said he was
going fishing, and I hope in this endeavor, he was successful.