"For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain",
said the Apostle Paul. We know this would be the message if our father was able to give us a message today.
On Sunday morning July 30th, 2023, Our Heavenly Father called our sweet Daddy home. Our hearts are fi lled with sorrow but we realize that this homegoing is the greatest experience of his Christian journey.
Sylvester Donell Curry, Sr. was born on January 25, 1937 to the late Rosa Lee Siler and the late Jewell Bradley in Bellville, Florida. He was in the loving care of his grandmother, Lillian Dorothy Williams and his mother after his father's passing. During his very tender years, Lonnie Curry, Sr. raised him as his own and gave him is name. He was the second of six children, four of whom preceded him in death.
On August 2, 1955 he was united in Holy Matrimony to the Late Blossie Louise Mitchell, a loving marriage that endured 51 years. To this union fi ve children were born, two of whom preceded him in death, Rickey Lamar Curry and Sheila Deloris Curry-Brooks.
He was converted at an early age and served faithfully for many years at Bethel A.M.E. Church in the capacity of Stewart and Trustee. At the age of 19 he joined the Rites of the Freemasonry and went on to serve as Worshipful Master of Masonic Lodge #211 and served as Joshua of Wyomia Court #87. After the Bellville Lodge became inactive, he joined James Cooper Lodge #21. In his early years he worked as a heavy equipment operator and took great pride in helping to build Florida's Turnpike. He decided to stay closer to home and became a very successful farmer. He retired from farming after several decades of hard work. One of his most loved volunteer jobs was serving on the election polls.
His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who are left to cherish his memory. His two sons, Retired CSM Sylvester Donell Curry, Jr. (Gwendolyn), Hinesville, GA; Stevie Anthony Curry, Jennings, FL; his daughter, Vanessa Faye Curry, Jennings, FL; his daughter in-law, Rev. Ava Davis-Curry, Jennings, FL; his son in-law, Frederick Sheldon Brooks, Silver Springs, MD; his devoted, loving sister, Mother Essie Mae Riley; 14 grandchildren, Derrek Jermaine Curry, Dreamer (James), Antonio DeMarcus Curry (Kymberly), Kandyce, Brittney (Travis), Sharita, Jamal (Karneshia), Alisa, Joshua, Rickey Jr., Justin and T'keya, he is preceded in death by his two granddaughters, Tamara Curry and Breanna Curry. 22 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many lifelong friends.