Curtis Southerland

June 20, 1972 – February 4, 2013

Loving brother, son, boyfriend, godfather, uncle, friend, colleague, associate, Curtis Southerland Jr., the eldest child of the late Martha Louise and Curtis Southerland, was born and raised in Mt. Vernon, NY. Despite his parents' divorce, Curtis, his siblings Tanya and Eric, and his mother Martha were a close, solid family unit, where success was expected, and love, kindness, laughter, joy, and hard work and play were the norm. This foundation enabled Curtis to soar in adulthood, which he did, dedicating himself to his loved ones, music and writing, public service, technology use and a rich career in the entertainment, education and healthcare industries.

Ever well-mannered, Curtis was gracious, selfless, polite, generous, kind, protective, reserved and loyal. He was also intellectually curious, super funny and musically and technologically gifted. With razor focus, he would dedicate himself to his loved ones and his interests. In childhood, he was a gymnast, a ball player, and a drummer, inter alia. He excelled at Rye Country Day School for 10 years, serving in high school as a member of the internationally travelled choir and co-editor in chief of its inaugural video yearbook. Curtis earned his B.A. in History (with minors in Sociology and English) from Georgetown University, where he thrived socially, remained committed to service, and further honed his love of music as a deejay, gospel choir member, instrumententalist, and nascent music producer. In his rich career, Curtis served in management and training positions at The Point, Tommy Boy Entertainment, Wind Up Entertainment, Mt. Vernon City School District, Northern Westchester Hospital, St Mary's Hospital for Children, and most recently, HealthFirst. Ever valuing education to keep current and credentialed, Curtis recently completed dual M.S. degrees in Sports Business Management, and Organizational Management and Human Resources Development, and was a certified Project Management Professional. Ever dedicated to music, service and loved ones, Curtis will also be lovingly remembered in his adulthood for his music production, radio deejaying, and commitment to others on a personal and institutional level. Whether producing an ASCAP credited musical track, camp counseling or creating a website for a NGO, producing music compilations for friends, or spending time with his loved ones, Curtis gave with all heart.

Curtis will be dearly missed, called home to be reunited with his beloved mother Martha, who passed 2 years ago. He leaves to cherish his memory his special friend Eunice, siblings Tanya and Eric, nieces Nya, Gingeree and Chloe, nephew Ethan, godchildren Shai and Xander, brother in law, Fabrice, Senegalese aunt Bigue, several other beloved relatives, close friends Damon, Dewitt and Garrick, and countless other friends, colleagues and acquaintances he touched with his kind, gentle and gifted spirit. Like his mother Martha, Curtis radiated light, and his legacy is pure love. Remember how he touched you and smile; feel him lovingly smiling back.