Emma Loretta Curtis

Emma Loretta Curtis passed away on December 15, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida. She was born on July 24, 1942 in Ashland, Kentucky, to the late Greenville Stewart and Nora Lee McKinney.

Loretta was a beautician for over 35 years before retiring. She was a military spouse all of her adult life and loved her country.

Loretta was an active member at Jacksonville Heights Baptist Church. She loved the Lord and her church. Loretta was truly a servant of Jesus Christ and studied scripture passionately, attending weekly bible study sessions and reading scripture daily. She wore glasses and in the upper left corner was a “Red” dot. If anyone asked her about the “Red” dot, it presented Loretta an opportunity to witness to the individual about our Savior Jesus Christ. Loretta was truly a giving person, and continuously donated to many organizations and individuals. She loved to collect owls and proudly displayed them throughout her house. Loretta also enjoyed puzzles, especially jig saw puzzles. Loretta, in her youth, used to play slow pitch softball and really was a competitive player. She loved to watch her granddaughters play softball and cheered them on with a loving grandparent’s enthusiasm. Loretta was proud of her grandchildren and was active in each of their lives and passions.

Loretta is preceded in passing by her husband, Dean L. Mattox; son, Joel D. Curtis; brothers, Green Stewart and Gary Stewart; sisters, Dot Stewart and Lola May Stewart; nephews, Jeff Williams and Todd Stewart.

Loretta is survived by her daughter, Kathryn Cross (Carl); son, Samuel D. Curtis III (Susan); stepdaughters, Gala Messerschmidt (Mike) and Brenda Rashaw(Craig); stepson, Tony Mattox(Leslie); daughter-in-law, Tommie Curtis; granddaughters, Mary Cross and Reagan Curtis; grandsons, Keaton Cross (Stacy) and Grayson Curtis; great-granddaughter, Waverly Cross; brother, Bob Stewart; sister, Mary Williams (Thomas); nephews, David Williams and Kerri Stewart; friends, Nancy Hall, Janice Thompson, Judie Johnson and Flora Ester (her mentor for her spiritual journey) and a host of other family members and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Jacksonville Heights Baptist Church, 6730 Ricker Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32244.

Donations In Loving Memory of Loretta Curtis may be made directly to Jacksonville Heights Baptist Church, 6730 Ricker Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32244.

Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, Florida, 904-264-1233 is serving the family.

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