My Journey

"Let Everything That Has Breath Praise the Lord" Psalm 150:6

Jerline Whitfield Curtis was born on February 4, 1934, in Cypress, Texas, to Pearl Alexander and Earl Whitfield. At the age of 2, she moved to Tomball, Texas, where she was reared by her mother and father, Bobbie Martin. Jerline departed this life on January 20, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones.

Jerline, affectionally known as "Lit", was a devoted Christian, wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend to many. Her devotion to the Lord, love for her family, and passion for helping people were evident in her positive mindset and service to others. Jerline's outgoing personality, bright smile, and infectious laugh lit up every room she entered. Jerline married W.C. Curtis on February 24, 1950, and to this union, eight beautiful children were born. She had unbelievable strength of character in taking care of her family. She was a dedicated homemaker; her home was where her children's friends and relatives wanted to visit. They knew they would be well-fed and share in the love and joy of the Curtis household. Her door was always open to all, and she was like a second mom to many.

Jerline accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Pilgrim Hill Baptist Church, in Hufsmith, Texas. She served in several ministries, including Vacation Bible School, Youth Programs, and Pastor's Aid, under the leadership of Pastor Charles Martin. Jerline was an active member of Mt. Horeb Missionary Baptist Church for over 20 years. An avid participant in her community, she volunteered her time to several organizations.

Education was important to Jerline, and she ensured her children understood the value of education and its influence on their career paths. She attended school in Hufsmith, Texas, and later graduated in Houston, Texas. She received additional studies in banking, sign language, and education throughout the years. After a dedicated career in education in HISD, she retired yet continued to serve others through her giving spirit.

Jerline's memory will forever be cherished by her six children: Linda Washington, Clarence R. Curtis, Sheryl Symonette, Tammye Curtis-Jones, Tanjye Curtis, and Willie C. Curtis,Jr. (Stephanie). She is the beloved grandmother to twenty: Tabitha Britt, Charleston Ramon White, Marcello Simmons, Tilesha Price, Candace Boutte, LaTisha Jackson-Davis, Schlena Curtis, Clarence Curtis, Jr, Sidney Curtis, Jared Curtis, Latoya Curtis, Willie C. Curtis,III, Shunte' Takyi, Lendric Washington, Brittney Mathieu, Shelia Curtis, Christian Jones, Briana Caldwell, Brinae Bolden, and Jordan Jones. She is the devoted great-grandmother to 34: Desmond Phlegm, Solica Wallace, Sharekia Britt, Ramona Bailey, Courtney White, Camille McCrea, Christopher Marks, Dexter Bowie, Jaden Darjean, Jaquan Moore, Justine White, Mariah Curtis, Jarius Curtis, Tiana Curtis, Nevaeh Curtis, Makaila Curtis, Jerren Curtis, Jonah Wilson, Trinity Curtis, Gabrielle Curtis, Qiran Simmons, Chandler Mathieu, Makenna Curtis, Greyson Cutis, Marlee Mathieu, Koye Curtis, D'Mari Bolden, Chase Simmons, Marlee Mathieu, Juliette Curtis, Ra'mya White Marco Mathieu, Nyla Takyi, and D'Cori Bolden.

She is remembered in love by her 14 great great grandchildren: Alanesha Young, Daranesha Britt, Destiny White, Dajonae Phlegm, Desmond Phlegm, Noeriyah Britt, Terrance Hawkins, Courtney White, Chase White, Justice White, Brielle McCrea, Caleigh White, Paris Darjean and Carter Moore.

She is the loving sister of Earline Mekazin Alexander, the ex-spouse of W.C. Curtis, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

Jerline was preceded in death by her parents, two children: Carolyn Hagen and Charles Curtis, three brothers: Allen Cain, Henry Williams, and Ollie B. Martin, and two sisters: Lorraine Curtis and Barbara Manning.