Frances Alma (Howell) Curtis

Born in Wilmington, NC to Nettie and William Howell, she grew up in New Bern with 3 sisters and a brother. Preceding her in death are her husband of 44 years, Neil (2010); her daughter, Janet S. Hayes (2014); brother, Wilfred Creteau; sisters, Mildred C. Orringer, Lucille H. Rhodes, and Anna H. Rowe.

Left to cherish her memory are: daughter, Sharon S. Bartleson (Robert) of Greenville, NC; sons, Steve Smith of Arapahoe and Jack Smith of New Bern; stepson, Chris Curtis of Georgia; grandsons, Craig Ricks of Alaska, Hunter Heath (Christy) of Virginia, Kevin Ricks (Ashley) of Greenville, and Barrett Heath of New Bern. Granny Curtis adored her 7 great grandchildren, Lauren, Maggie and Jacob Heath of New Bern, Andrew and Mary Margaret Ricks, Seth and Stewart Hardee all of Greenville. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews and special friends, Max and Pam Mascia, Rick and Judy Hinneman, and Margie Miller.

Frances and Neil had lived in Riverbend since 2000 and enjoyed many great friends and neighbors there. Frances retired from Craven Co. Schools and Neil from Cherry Pt. NARF. She began playing golf at 73 years young. "Fairway Frances" lived independently and was very active playing golf and entertaining great grandchildren into her late 80's. Frances met Neil while they were choir members at Tabernacle Baptist Church. Later they became active in The Way ministry and the local Way Fellowship whose members have been a joy to her. Brookdale Assisted Living has been her home this past year; she loved all the staff and residents. With her lovely voice, she enjoyed all the musical entertainment and sing-a-longs at Brookdale.

Please celebrate this sweet beautiful life with us, Thursday, June 16, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Cotten Funeral Home in New Bern, NC. In lieu of flowers, please give to a charity of your choice or just spread kindness and love like Frances. Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Frances Curtis.