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Israel Curtis Obituary

Retired Legislator

Israel "Bo" Curtis

Services for Retired Legislator, Israel "Bo" Curtis will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at Zion Hill Family Church, 312 Hunter St., Pineville, La. with Rev. Herbert Baptiste of Nazarene Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in Alexandria Memorial Gardens under the direction of Gonzaque-Williams Mortuary.

Visitation will be Saturday, from 8 am until time of service at the Church.

Curtis entered eternal rest on February 16, 2012.

He was a graduate of Peabody High School. After high school he attended Grambling State University where he earned a B.S. Degree. His education was enhanced by earning a Masters Degree from Northwestern State University. Further study was done at Texas Christian University, Texas Southern University and Michigan State University.

Representative Curtis served his country as a member of the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. In addition, he was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, and a life member of Grambling University Association. He was also a lifetime member of Nazarene Missionary Baptist Church where he was an active member of the Brotherhood Choir and also the Deacon Board.

Curtis made a great impact on Central La., as well as other parts of the state by responding to the numerous needs of the community. His efforts of unfailing loyalty and countless contributions have left a legacy, especially with the construction of the Rapides Primary Health Care Center. His assistance to his constituents and others are too numerous to list.

He served on the Rapides Parish School Board for 16 years and State Legislature for 16 years, an educator and coach for over 20 years. In addition, he was Manager and Funeral Director for Winnfield Life Insurance. He was also the personal body guard for Dr. Martin L. King when he visited Alexandria, La. He was also, a 33rd degree Mason.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Israel "Chief" and Maria Curtis and one brother Duel H. Curtis.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 56 years, Barbara; two children, Andrea (Alan) Richardson; one son Benjamin; two grandchildren, Aleisha and Jordan Richardson; one sister, Mamie L. Smith (Clyde); goddaughters, Sequoia, Natalie, and Deborah, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and friends.

Visitation and V.F.W. and Masonic Cermonies will be held on Friday the 24th of February, 2012 from 6 pm to 9 p.m. at the Nazarene Baptist Church, 2011 Overton St., Alexandria, La.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Town Talk on Feb. 24, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Israel Curtis

Not sure what to say?





Manuel Paul Llorens

February 18, 2021

I taught at Peabody with "Bo" and remained a friend. I am sorry that I could not attend his funeral but I will offer a prayer today. I offer my prayers to his family.

Paul Llorens

The Johnson Family

March 4, 2012

To Curtis Family, Coach Curtis knew what it meant to help his people. He did not let the politic bug bite him. Thanks Coach, now R.I.P.

KENNETH SANDERS

February 29, 2012

TO THE CURTIS FAMILY: MY THOUGHTS , PRAYERS, AND DEEPEST SYMPATHY IS WITH YOUR FAMILY. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO GIVE YOU STRENGTH, COURAGE AND UNDERSTANDING TO GET THROUGH YOUR LOST. WE SHARED A COMMON BOND(FAMILY, HIP & MILDRED MOSES)AUNT MILDRED AND MR. CURTIS WERE RAISED AS SISTER IN BROTHER, SINCE THEIR PARENTS WERE SISTER AND BROTHER. CONTINUE TO PRAY. KENNETH, GINGER, ERIC, AND LADATRA SANDERS. THE MOSES-SANDERS CHILDREN:

February 28, 2012

To The Curtis Family: We at New Morning Star B.C. fill a void within our congregation and lives because Rep. Curtis was so instrumental in helping within our congregation anyway that he could (tutorial progams & etc.)
He will truly, truly be missed, for he
was a caring person, always putting others first, Thank God for the time we had to spend with him. So glad God allowed us the opportunity to share with such a great man. We love you Ms. Curtis. Dr.Joe & Brenda Sanders & New Morning Star Family

Annie Lois Coty.Mason

February 28, 2012

To The Curis Family. I was sadden to here of the lose of "Bo" Curtis,he was a wonder man.I remember him from drivers edcuation when I went to Peadody High. He done good things in life and now he is getting his reward.Well done Mr Curtis.

Jack Smith

February 28, 2012

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Bo was a wonderful representative and a joy to be around. He will be missed by all and my prayers are with you.

Greg & Evelyn Braud

February 27, 2012

To Ms. Curtis and Family,
Mr. Curtis helped and inspired many and he fulfilled his assignment on this earth.
Our prayers are with you all.

GWENDOLYN BEAUDION

February 25, 2012

TO THE CURTIS FAMILY, WE ARE DEEPLY SORRY TO HEAR OF BO PASSING. OUR PRAYERS AND OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU ALL. GWEN BEAUDION and ADDIE WASHINGTON

Jimmy & Willie D. Weaver-Price

February 25, 2012

Mrs. Curtis and family, we send our heartfelt sympathy to you at this time of grief in your lives. When I was a student at Peabody Hi, Mr. Curtis taught me how to drive thru the Driver's Education Dept. Again we, pray that our Lord and Saviour will continue to provide your needs. Jimmy and Willie D. Weaver-Price (Alexandria, La.-Los Angeles, Ca.)

Ada Comeaux

February 25, 2012

Mrs. Curtis I am deeply sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved, I do hope that Jehovah provide the strength that you need to help you to get throught this trying time.

Paul Llorens

February 25, 2012

Dear Barbara, I am sorry to hear about Bo.I am just reading his obit today at 1pm.I surely would have attended. He and I were friends for a long time. I will visit you when I am in Alexandria. Beverly and I will keep him in our prayers. With deepest symphathy,

Paul and Beverly Llorens

Frankie Veal Wright

February 25, 2012

Mrs. Curtis and Family,
Thinking of you and praying for you as you go through this difficult time.

Ollie McGhee

February 25, 2012

Mrs. Curtis,
We send our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. Knowing that nothing's too hard for God...we pray that God will give you the strength to weather this storm.
With Sympathy & Admiration,
Ollie & Louis McGhee & Family

February 25, 2012

Though "weeping may endure for a night, joy cometh in the morning". We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. - Kattie Williams and Toni Martin

February 25, 2012

Our prayers are with the family. May God bless you and keep you in his constant care. Isarel was always considered as a member of our family. He was such a friend and special person .

THE BALTHAZAR FAMILY.

(Los Angeles ,San Antonio, Texas and Alexandria, La.

Thomas & Mary Williams

February 25, 2012

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. We will keep you all in my prayers. His presence will be missed.

February 24, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Katie Potier Croal

February 24, 2012

Bo will be greatly missed. He was a champion for all and a steadfast soldier on the battlefield of securing rights for many. Barbara & family, he has left an imprint on the life of many and will be remember for everything he attempted in this life. The Lord will strengthen you at your time of sorrow and I pray you will find joy in your memories of this great soldier.

February 24, 2012

To The Cutris Family,

My prayers are with you. Mr. Curtis was man that open doors for all of us. In his time it was hard but he stood strong and carry on with the fight. Now his job is done and God has said come on "BO" lay down your cross and come on home.

Brenda Norris (Alexandria,La)

Portia Jackson

February 24, 2012

Barbara,daughter and son, it is with deep regret that we cannot be present with you during this time but do know that our prayers are with you and if you should need us after others may have ceased to visit or call, please let us know. We have never meet two people who are and were more loving, friendly and personable as the two of you. We will never forget Bo and your kindness.

May you and your family be forever blessed.

Elisha "Tack" and Portia

February 24, 2012

Extending my deep and heartfelt sympathy to you, Barbara, and Family!
May you find solace in fond reflections and tender memories of your love and the meaningful time shared with your husband, and loved one.

God bless and keep you in his care now and forever!

Eloise Hines Ball, Aurora, CO

Sandra Gonzaque Lewis

February 24, 2012

We celebrate the homegoing of a "long life struggle hero", he sits beside the best of our freedom fighters and just as high, we thank you for so much Mr Curtis. Your works will never be forgotten and nor shall you. GOD Bless your soul, see you soon. Sandra Gonzaque and Sons

Wiley Young

February 24, 2012

EARTH HAS NO PAIN NOR SORROWS THAT HEAVEN CANNOT HEAL. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU FAMILY ALWAYS. Job Well done Bro. "BO" I'm indeed thankful n Greatful. Wiley A. Young

Linda Neal

February 24, 2012

Our prayers are with you Barbara, your children and the rest of the family. Curtis was a wonderful person and God knows that, he instructed my grandmother how to drive, Anna Willis. You Barbara are a good friend to my aunt Geraldine out of Houston, Texas. I am her niece Linda, here in Atlanta, GA. May the Lord comfort your family always.

zelda smith

February 24, 2012

I am so sorry for your family's loss.

Cheryl McKay Dixon

February 24, 2012

The family of the late James F. and Annie Ruth McKay sends its condolences to all the members of the Curtis and Smith families on the loss of our beloved brother, Israel "Bo" "Jr." Curtis. He will always be fondly remembered for his kindness, humanity and humor. Cheryl McKay Dixon and Joycelyn McKay Crumpton.

February 24, 2012

We hope you will find some measure of
comfort in knowing that your loss is
shared by all of us.

Dorothy Brock-Crumpton

February 24, 2012

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Carolyn V.

February 24, 2012

To the Curtis Family~

I was so shocked to hear on the noon day news of Mr. Curtis' passing. You are in my prayers at this time, and I pray that you find strength in God to get throught this hour of sorrow.

Mr. Curtis was a long time friend of my family, even before I was born (my mother knew his mother). And know that earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal! If we faint not, we will all meet in the sweet by and by.

JULES RAY GREEN

February 24, 2012

Precious Memories, how they linger, How they will ever flood our Souls!! Deacon
Curtis was a great Mentor for many people
here in Central LA an through out this State! Our Prayers are with you'll at this of earthly sorrow that only Heaven
can mend! In Christ Jesus name Jules,OSA,Alexis Green.

Carrie Spriggins

February 24, 2012

My sincerest prayers and condolences to Mrs. Barbara Curtis and family. He was a great man and will certainly be missed.

Jaleesa Young

February 24, 2012

My prayers are with your family

February 24, 2012

May God continue to bless all of you, I'm always here for you, Papa Curtis will be miss so much,love you
Melva B

Tarus Stanfield-Newchurch

February 24, 2012

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Ronald/Natalie Nelson

February 24, 2012

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

February 24, 2012

I send sincere prayers and condolences to the Curtis family. May God give you the strength to endure these hard times. Mr. Curtis helped me greatly when I moved here and became a teacher. I thank him for the encouragement and support he gave to me and my family.
Iberia Gatson and Family

Arnita Alexander

February 24, 2012

My sincerest condolences to the family of Representative Curtis. I am so sorry for your loss. I had frequent interaction with Rep. Curtis while working as a secretary at Cleco prior to my retirement and found him to be very straightforward and an extremely kind gentleman. His presence will certainly be missed.

Joseph Cotton

February 24, 2012

To the Curtis Family:

Our family prays that you will have the strength to send your loved "Bo" to his rest. We hope that God will hold you in the palm of HIS BIG HAND and keep you well.

Those who knew Mr. Curtis know that we have lost a brother who was a "giant" in his own right - a trailblazer, a standard bearer, a fighter for justice, and a prime example of what Black men should be and stand for.

We join you in your sorrow as we stand by you in celebration of the homegoing of your dear departed.

Dana Ellis

February 24, 2012

To the Curtis Family,
Look to the hills, from whence cometh your help, all of your help comes from God. May Hee give your family the strength to endure during this difficult time. Mr. Curtis was instrumental in securing a scholarship for my daughter, to attend GSU, for that I am thankful. He was a strong force in the Central Louisiana community, which the shows that his labor was not in vain. I will keep you all in my prayers, as you go through this difficult time.

February 24, 2012

To my family may God bless and kept you under his blood. You are in our prayers.
Virginia Bailey And Turner Family

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