Warren Stanford Curtis

In Loving Memory of Warren Stanford Curtis

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” — Matthew 25:23 (KJV) 

It is with deep sorrow and immeasurable love that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved father, brother, grandfather, uncle, friend, and servant of God — Warren Stanford Curtis — on June 9, 2025, at Novant Health Rowan Medical Center in Salisbury, North Carolina. He was 62 years old. 

Born on September 12, 1962, in Newark, New Jersey, to the late Rosalie Johnson Curtis and William Hill, Warren’s journey was marked by his unwavering faith, loving heart, musical gifts, and his dedication to service and family. He was educated in the Newark Public School system before relocating to Albany and later Utica, New York, where he graduated from Thomas R. Procter High School in 1991. 

Warren continued to pursue knowledge and purpose. He earned his Black Ministers Certification from Hartford Seminary in 1994, a Business Office Assistant Certification from Buffalo State College at E.O.C. in 2000, and a Graphic Arts Certification from the same institution in 2003. 

He was an anointed and accomplished musician, playing both the piano and organ for numerous churches throughout Upstate New York, including: 

• Mt. Zion Baptist Church 

• St. John C.O.G.I.C. 

• Christian Memorial 

• Church of God of Prophecy 

• St. Marks Healing and Deliverance Tabernacle 

• St. Matthew Temple C.O.G.I.C. 

• NY Western First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction C.O.G.I.C. 

As of June 8, 2025, he continued to use his God-given talents to bless congregations in North Carolina, faithfully serving: 

• New Foundation Fellowship Ministry

• Sacred Souls UCC 

• City Church 

• Unity Fellowship Church Charlotte 

• Spiritual Education Experience 

His music was ministry — each note a testimony, each melody a healing balm. But more than his gifts, it was his love that defined him. 

Warren will be forever cherished by his children: 

Rashell (Cleon) Frazier of Conyers, GA; Michael Watson of Atlanta, GA; LaMont (Lashaun) Curtis of Princeton, TX; Kevin Curtis, Cameron Curtis (fiancé Vanessa), both of Utica, NY; and Mone’t Banks of Atlanta, GA. 

He is also survived by his precious grandchildren: NeVaeh, Orlando Jr., LaMont Jr., Isaiah, Cord’A, Nehemiah, K’yMaree, Alexis, Quentin, and Sierra. 

Also mourning his loss are his siblings: Terry Curtis, Phyllis Hills-Hayes, William Hill III, Beverly Chisolm; the mother of his children Muriel Banks; his devoted sisters-in-law Beverly Washington, Gail Banks, Elizabeth Ruiz; his God-siblings Tammy Thomas and Fred Thomas; Pastor Brain L Johnson, Pastor Veron House and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended relatives, church families, and dear friends who felt like family. 

He is preceded in eternal rest by his beloved son Orlando Sr.; brothers James Curtis and Gerald Washington; his Uncle John Isaac Johnson; Grandparents Sarah and Isaac Johnson; Aunt Jane Johnson Cromer; Pauline Curtis, Lucille Banks, Regina Grimes, Warren Grimes, and his cherished Godmother Mother Virgie Thomas. 

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18 (NIV) 

Warren was a joyful presence — known for remembering every birthday, his contagious laughter, his sharp sense of fashion, and his humor that lifted every room. But above all, he was known for his unwavering love of family and his deep-rooted faith in God.

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