Dea. Curtis Bodison

Deacon Curtis Bodison was the oldest of eight children born to Ernest Garfield Bodison and Flora Gant Bodison. Growing up in Round O, South Carolina, he attended Snipe school while assisting his father on the farm and helping his mother with his younger siblings. On March 7, 1945, Curtis was drafted into active service in the U.S Army. He served in the infantry during World War II, which included 13 months in the Pacific. He received an honorable discharge on December 23, 1946. 

Curtis married his childhood sweetheart, the late Vessie Haynes Bodison, on November 28, 1948. In the early 1950’s he moved to Newburgh, New York where for more than 20 years, he worked as a master craftsman for a brick manufacturer. He then worked and retired from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, after 25 years as a heavy equipment transportation specialist. After retiring, he worked in the security field for many years. 

Curtis was a member of the Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist church as a child; he attended Ebenezer Baptist Church in Newburgh, New York for more than 40 years, Trinity A. M. E Zion Church in Washington DC, and finally rejoined Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church in 2000 after relocating to Cottageville, SC. He served as a deacon and sang in the men’s choir.

He and his loving wife, Vessie Bodison celebrated 74 years of marriage before her passing on October 29, 2022. He is also predeceased by his parents,stepmother, Myrtis Gillison Bodison; brothers, Ernest Lee, Roy, Ray, James, and Joesph Bodison, and sister Flora Mae Hobbs.

He was a man full of faith, zeal, wisdom and love for mankind. He departed this life surrounded by his loving family. Those left to cherish his memories include his sister, Vernie Clair Powell, sons Earnel G. Bodison (Margaret) and Timothy B. Bodison (Alaa), daughters Sacared A. Bodison Amobi (Eugene) and Loretta P. Thomas, honorary son Min. Tyrone Kinard,10 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, along with a host of foster children, nieces, nephews, cousins, grand nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

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