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BORN
1931
DIED
2010
Oracia McCurtis Obituary
Funeral services for Oracia Rebecca McCurtis on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2010 have been changed to: South Coast Fellowship, 4050 Market St., Ventura, CA 93003, 11 a.m. "Hark the herald angels sing! 'Glory to the newborn king!" The lyric soprano voice of Oracia Rebecca McCurtis soared high as she joyfully sang that sweet refrain for so many wonderful years during Christmas - her favorite season of the year. Evangelist/Pastor/Mother Oracia McCurtis was born Dec. 30, 1931 and soared into the heavens to be eternally with The Lord on Friday morning, Dec. 17, 2010.
She transitioned from her home to reward surrounded by her husband, son, niece, and several saints of God who prayed and sang her soul into the arms of God. Today, and for as long as there remains in earth's realm those of us who were privileged to enjoy the sweet sound of her voice, who rejoiced as she "tickled the ivories," who were inspired and challenged by her anointed ministry, healed by her loving touch, and transformed by her effervescent personality, she will live on and be remembered at Christmas and throughout the year.
She was born Oracia Rebecca Lane in Roswell, N.M., to father, Nathan Lane, and mother, Samantha Lillie Brooks. She was raised by mother, Samantha, and stepfather, Steven V. Brooks, who shepherded her soul into the Kingdom of God at seven years of age. She received The Baptism of The Holy Ghost a year later.
As a young girl, she played piano for countless revivals, in support of choirs, and she traveled as the official musical accompanist for her stepfather who later became the jurisdictional bishop of New Mexico. Upon graduation from high school, Oracia enrolled at Tilison College in Austin, Texas, where she was the first African American to integrate the school as she pursued her music degree.
Oracia Lane met and married her husband Luther on Feb. 16, 1955. In the early 1960s Pastor McCurtis and Oracia came to Ventura, Calif., with their five young children - Stephen, Michael, Gabriel, Yvonne, and Elizabeth. They founded the Ventura Church of God In Christ, later changed to Total Life Christian Center, incorporated where she served as co-pastor with Pastor Luther. Their ministry has touched the lives of thousands locally and abroad. Oracia McCurtis was a dedicated wife and mother who loved the Lord. She used her gift of music to minister the gospel and blessed many souls.
Preceding her in death are her stepfather and mother, Bishop S.V. and Mother Samantha Brooks, and biological father, Nathan Lane. She is survived by her husband, Reverend Luther McCurtis; sons, Elder Stephen McCurtis (Marivel) (Bakersfield, Calif.), Elder Gabriel McCurtis (Debra) (Ventura, Calif.), Pastor Michael McCurtis (Ventura, Calif.); eldest daughter, Oracia Lillie Yvonne McCurtis (Arlington, Texas) and Elizabeth McCurtis-Bell (San Francisco, Calif.); stepbrothers, Carl, Andrew, and Ezel Lane (Palo Alto, Calif.); stepsisters, Clara Langston (Northern Calif.), Imma Jean Lane (Moreno Valley, Calif.), Shirley Lane and Artis White (South Carolina); 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren and a host of many more family members and friends.
Viewing will be on Tuesday and Wednesday morning, December 28 and 29, at Reardon Mortuary, 757 E. Main. A celebration concert will take place on Wednesday night, at the Total Life Christian Center, 660 N. Ventura Avenue, Ventura. We are establishing a memorial fund and invite you to send donations to either: Total Life Christian Center or Employment Aptitude & Placement Association. For further information call: 805-648-5868.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Oracia McCurtis
Angela Crutchfield
January 18, 2011
Michael and Family,
I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of Mother McCurtis. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mother McCurtis was a jewel. I will always remember traveling to Memphis with her in the early 90's for the COGIC Convocation. What a trip we had!! :-)
What a true woman of God!
Angie
Joni Wright
January 14, 2011
Elizabeth, Yvonne, Michael -- and all the McCurtis family,
I read today your mother's obituary, and am so sorry I had not known sooner, such that I could have attended her service and seen you all again. I am saddened for your loss (I, too, lost my father in 2010), but we all know we will see her again: I'm SO looking forward to singing in Heaven's choir with her, my parents, and all of our loved ones who have gone before us!! Won't that be amazing??!! I will keep you all in my prayers.
Much love,
Joni (Smith) Wright
Maricela Higgins
January 4, 2011
A Mother to all of us. I will miss her smile and her love of life. The pillows that she helped design and the pilots that tried to help sell them. Great memories.
john flynn
January 1, 2011
Mrs. McCurtis was a giving and wonderful person. May her soul rest in peace. Reverand McCurtis and family my prayers are with you as you think about and remember this great woman. John Flynn
Mary Browne (Polk)
December 31, 2010
To Family,
My heart goes out to you all. In times like these you find out what you, as a family, stood for, cared about, and practiced in dealings with locals. Your contributions will never be paid back in this lifetime or in this world Oh but in Gods' eyes they are multiplied with such large numbers that the Angels in Heaven cannot count.That task and priviledge belongs "Only the Master! Bless You All
Christa Sutton
December 31, 2010
To the McCurtis Family,
My sincerest condolences on the loss of your beloved wife and mother.
When I learned of her passing, a flood of memories returned of this highly positive, energetic woman. I will never, forget her continuous encouraging smile towards a visiting choir of inexperience young children, thirty plus years ago (Goleta Church of God in Christ) as we singed, so, off key!! She made you feel proud for singing for the lord!All it takes in life is one positive gesture towards others, and she was a natural at doing just that.
As God was her life and heart, I can respectfully sense, so was her family. For God is love and she loved you all with the same passion.
Warm wishes to you all and may the abundance of love and memories embrace you forward, as she did in life.
Mark & Bernice Gaston
December 30, 2010
Pastor(s)McCurtis & Family;
I am sincerely sorry for your loss...while simultaneously ecstatic for Heaven's gain. For I KNOW she will never have to suffer again.
Sis. McCurtis was at the vanguard of first ladies and she TRULY loved and supported her husband, Pastor Luther McCurtis.
I don't believe that volumes of books could possibly chronicle the public
sacrifices and private frustrations this woman endured while laboring in her home, within the community, and midwiving her husband's ministry.
I personally knew of times when she and her husband would fast in tandem for days at a time, defying convention-
al medical wisdom, all in the name of a spiritual turnover for their church, family, and community. There were other times when I knew of the Good Reverend laying out before God in the church only to see Sis. McCurtis make sure he was nourished in the process.
The two did many things together and at no time did I ever hear of or witness any friction between them. EVER. Throwback First Ladies the caliber of Sis. McCurtis are virtually extinct these days. Many women - or men for that matter - refuse to build a ministry or a domestic portfolio in tandem these days. People want the product but not the process...
Epilog. There were times in services when Sis. McCurtis seemed to insist on impacting a service with her musical prowess. But, I will be the first to say that if this woman of God should be indicted of anything it should be her immense love for God, his people, and her desire to bring life to moribund services. To that, Sis. McCurtis would exclaim, "Guilty as charged. Cuff me!" Sis. McCurtis would never hurt a fly!
Her fight to live and her love for life were irrefutable. And what an inspiration she was to see her in the hospital witnessing to doctors and patients about Jesus while ignoring or gracefully contending with physical distress. It's called living with hope while dying for a greater hope.
Sis. Oracia McCurtis did it well and a grand reward awaits her.
Rev. Rachel Garcia
December 30, 2010
My prayers go out to you Michael and your Family _your mama always knew what to speak into my life _Live Courageous for God & Complete the Mission set before you _Praying for you Michael _Shalom
Mama'Rachel Garcia ) we've notified BOS & Dr. Michelle Corral Ministry ppl. _Shalom! Brother
Rev.Matthew Garcia Jr.
December 30, 2010
Mama'McCurtis will always shine in our hearts & always reflected in her Children _Anointed Legacy of a true Saint - her sincere willingness to give her life 'Unto God & Unto HiS Divine Purposes - Her Community & Church is so blessed w/ McCurtis Charity & Hope ...Prayers go out to the McCurtis Family & Church Ministries _May God Wrap you in His Arms & Shalom! Rev. Matthew Garcia (Fillmore & BOS) & Mama' Rachel Garcia
...were praying 4U' Michael - Dios 'te Bendiga Hermano! Shalom!
Carole & David Echt
December 30, 2010
Dear Michael:
Your mom's spirit soared even in the short times that we met her. Our hearts echo with yours at this difficult time. We know she blessed you with her love and you have spread it. Take care of yourself and your family.
December 30, 2010
It has been my honor to have known this woman of God, dear Mother Oracia. May her memory be eternal. Lynn Mikelatos
Roberta The Qualls Family
December 30, 2010
To The Entire McCurtis Family, Love is eternal and so are the memories you will hold and have of your Mother. These will be difficult times and our thoughts and prayers are with you all. You should find comfort in knowing that your Mother served a gracious Lord and will sit next to The Father for eternity. Affectionately,
MARSHAE STRONG DAVIS
December 30, 2010
To My Family Dad, Stephen, Michael, Gabriel, Yvonne & Elizabeth, I love you all. I feel your sorrow and pain, but remember weeping may endureth for a night, but joy comes in the morning. May the Lord bless you and keep you, may the lord let his face shine on you, and grant you peace.
MARSHAE STRONG DAVIS
December 30, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
December 29, 2010
Love to the McCurtis Family, Pastor Luther, Pastor Gabriel your entire family has been a lampstand witness of Jesus in the County of Ventura. Mother McCurtis was the epitome of Jesus. Bless you all in this season of transition.
John Huffman
December 29, 2010
I want to send my heart felt condolences to the mcCurtis family.How blessed they were to have such a example of a wonderful woman of God in thier live's she will always be missed. I will never forget how she helped my daughter when she needed it God will, continue to hold your family "Peggy Larios'
December 29, 2010
...Thinking of You!
Pastor Jesse Droughn
December 29, 2010
Mother McCurtis was a remarkable woman of God. Her life has touched thousands. She expressed a great love for every one she met. Her compassion for people and her desire to tell them about Jesus was always in the forefront of her conversation. She will be missed greatly.
Pastor Jesse Droughn
Jack Tingstrom ( Former Mayor, Ventura)
December 29, 2010
Please accept our heartfelt condolences to the McCutis family. Mother McCurtis has been a vibrant Christian leader and Gods shining star in our community, and will be greatly missed. God Bless the family and who knew and loved her.
Marie Rivera
December 29, 2010
To the McCurtis family, I am so sorry for your loss. She was and will always be a remarkable woman of God. She will be remember for her smile and her kindness that she carried with her. I have always remembered her. She touched me in a way that words can not describe. Thank you God for letting us have what time we did with her. I can see her at the entrance of the hall greeting people as they leave with a full stomache at the lunches they had. When I visit and go down the avenue I have and will always picture her right there with that beautiful smile. Marie (Molina)Rivera
Pastor and Mrs Penny
December 29, 2010
Praise God for the time that he gave me with Mother McCurtis, to have choir practice, bible study and prayer meeting each time we met. I can truely say "God be glorified" for my faith has increased from observing her faith and trust in the true and living God that we shared. I Praise God for giving me the desire of my heart which was getting to know Mother McCurtis even more. Her passionate love for Jesus is engrave in my mind, as I remember how she shared Christ with all who would listen. We are praying and believing that God will faithfully keep you until the day of his coming as he has done for Mother McCurtis. Remember, "Jesus Loves you and so do I".
Jack Lee
December 28, 2010
I wanted to convey my heart felt condolences to the McCurtis family. Mother McCurtis has been a pillar and a bright light to our community and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. I know that she is in heaven singing her heart out. "Well Done Thou Good and Faithful Servant!"
Kimeve Edmonson
December 28, 2010
She had gentle eyes, gentle hands and a gentle spirit. We have lost a great one! I am happy to have known her, been taught by her and prayed for by her. More than a Woman, but a fantastic Lady.
Thoughts, hugs, prayers and well wishes to her Family, really - we're all Family! ~Bless~
December 28, 2010
Heaven has a new winner for the warmest smile contest! I always went out of my way to bag her groceries when she came into Santa Cruz Market--just for the chance to carry them to the car and receive a good word from her. I'm praying for a flood of great memories for the family as you celebrate her life. God bless you and hold you in His arms as you mourn your loss of this amazing woman.
Fawn Parish
December 28, 2010
Several decades ago, Joey and I served at Avenue Community Church which was just down the street from Oracia's church. I loved her so! I once asked her to teach me piano as I played so white, and she sat down tore up the piano and then had me sit down and play. I was dazed by her musical brilliance, yet she wanted me to keep playing for her as she worshipped.
Oracia's humility, passionate love of Jesus, and authenticity endeared her to all who knew her. I went to school with her sons, and I remember them telling me that she prayed over them every night "I have no greater joy than to know my children are walking in truth." Oracia was a woman of truth, dignity and beauty. She is filling heaven with her song.
Mary Davis
December 28, 2010
There is no lovelier singer in the heavenly choir than Oracia! Her life here was song-filled, joy-filled and faithfully patient. I'm so glad she'll be all warmed up and ready to sing and play by the time I get to heaven! Our love and prayers are with all of the family...we know you will miss her greatly until you see her again.
Matt Savage
December 28, 2010
I want to extend my profoundest condolences over the passing of our gracious Mother McCurtis. She was not just a living icon to countless individuals, but also a wonderful teacher in life. She was a very special person and I am proud to have called her my Mother. Mother McCurtis was greatly loved by us all and we will always remember her wonderful hospitality and her warm heart. We sympathize with great pain, but always remember that God needs the best and so he has taken her away. She was a wonderful human being.
Sincerely,
Matt Savage
Dellis McCurtis-Neal
December 27, 2010
My prayers and thoughts are with my family at this time. I will miss my beloved aunt Oracia so much. My words cannot express how much I loved her. She was the rock and foundation for me many times and for others. Her knowledge of the bible and wisdom compares to none other.I had such fun with her and my dear Uncle while in California. She was the strongest and most faithful woman I have ever known. Love to my Uncle and cousins at this time. I will never forget this wonderful great warrior for the Lord. Blessings.
mike fry
December 27, 2010
Im sorry for your loss . God bless you all ! mike fry
Dathan Moore
December 27, 2010
I thank God, to have experienced one of his most precious Angels.
Mom McCurtis offered inspiration through song, her attentive nature, words, and ever-loving smile. May God let her spirit live on through all of us fortunate enough to have been blessed with the love of Mom McCurtis.
Chuckii Moore
Batina N. Christmas (Thompson)
December 27, 2010
The the McCurtis Family,
My prayers are with you during this time of bereavement. Mother McCurtis was definitely a jewel. No one could sing, play the piano or speak like her. She was always a blessing to me, and I will never forget her beautiful smile and brisk walk. Be blessed and know that she is with God.
Brian Hunt
December 26, 2010
To all the McCurtis Family,
God Bless you during this time of sorrow as it is for us that new Mother McCurtis (and called her Mom), and of course a time of JOY having the knowledge that she beat us to the ONE that sustains us! You were there for me in 1972-1973! You always opened your heart for others. I praise Jesus for your life!
" 'Well done, good and faithful servant!"
Until we see each other again, enjoy the celebration in Heaven!!!
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