Marva "Kissy" Curtis

A Phenomenal Woman

Marva Janet Curtis was born on January 17 ^th , 1936 in Wilmington, Delaware to the late Elwood and Emma Mason. She earned her high school diploma in the Wilmington Public Schools. Upon graduating high school, she was wed in holy matrimony to the late Alfred W. Curtis I, together they shared 7 children.

Marva was an active member of Canaan Baptist Church and a former member of New Antioch Full Gospel Baptist Church. At Canaan, Marva served on the Canaan for Life Cancer Ministry; she herself was a two-time cancer survivor and the ultimate fighter. Marva worked for Wilmington Housing Authority for over 20 years. After retirement she went on to work for Small Stepping Stones Daycare for another 10 years where she nurtured and cared for children.

Marva, the matriarch of the family, was affectionately known as Kissy, Kiss Rock, Kiss Diggity and most of all Grum-Mum. She was loved by all and opened her home to anyone in need of a plate to eat or a place to stay she was an Eastside legend. Kissy enjoyed playing cards, reading books, coloring and watching all sports. She was a diehard Phillies and Eagles fan. Kissy was a member of the Golden Girls and Guys social club and every 3 ^rd Thursday of the month they would dine in at various restaurants, which Kissy loved, as she was a true “foodie”. Kissy was also a member of Kingwoods Senior Center where you could find her faithfully every Tuesday-Friday. She was a Sister of Soul and a member of the Aristocrat. Upon moving back into Wilmington, she reunited with her lifelong friends and spent most of her Friday evenings on McCulley Court.

Marva was preceded in death by her husband Alfred W. Curtis I, 2 sons Anthony “Woody” Mason (Marie) and Shannon Curtis. 2 daughters Deborah and Carla Curtis, 2 brothers James (Joan) and Robert Mason, 4 sisters Joanne Conyer, Eleanor Johnson, Glenda-Mae Cephas and Ida Bell Mason. 1 sister in law Gertrude Pritchett and 1 brother in law Paul Cannon.

She leaves to cherish in her memory 2 daughters Lavette and Arinta Curtis, 1 son Troy Curtis, 2 sisters Loretta Cannon and Helen Mason. 1 sister in law Tonya Mason and 1 brother in law Roland Johnson. 22 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren, a devoted caretaker Frankie Mason and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral service 11 am on November 7, 2019, Canaan Baptist Church, 3011 New Castle Ave., New Castle, DE. Viewing 9-10:45 am.
Interment, private.