Reverend Joseph Lynn Curtis

Reverend Joseph Lynn Curtis, 69, an Elder in Full Connection in the South Carolina Annual Conference, passed away on September 25, 2022. He was the son of the late Tillman Joseph (T.J.) Curtis and Billie Pons Curtis, was born on May 15, 1953 at Fort Clayton Army Hospital, United States Canal Zone, Panama, and was raised in Glen Alpine, NC.  Joseph was the grandson of the late Joe Ben and Grace Kelly Curtis and the late Maude Jones Pons.  He was baptized and confirmed at Glen Alpine Methodist Church.

He received his education in the Burke County School District and graduated from Glen Alpine High School, with honors, in 1971.  He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Western Piedmont Community College, and Appalachian State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree.

During the first half of his career, he was the Store Manager with Roses and then Office Depot.

At age 40, he followed the call into ministry and attended Erskine Seminary where he attained a Master’s of Divinity Degree in 1997.  Joseph went on to serve as an ordained Elder in the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, serving 7 congregations across the state. In 2017, he returned from retirement to serve his eighth congregation.

His partner in all these endeavors for 43 years is his surviving spouse; Brenda Isaacs Curtis. Joseph was blessed to have three children; Amy Curtis Perry, David Simmons (Jennifer), and Ashley Kahl (Steven), grandchildren; Wakefield Perry, Lawson Simmons, Noah Simmons, Charlotte Simmons, James Kahl and Ella Kahl.

Joseph is also survived by his two beloved sisters; Karen Curtis-Gwynn (Raymond) and Robin Curtis Staley (John); sister-in-law, Debra Williams (JB); and several nieces, nephews, and cousins, whom he loved very much.

Joseph had a great passion for God, reading, learning and research.  He loved traveling, especially with his cousin Charles, who was much more like a brother.  He loved music, movies and the UNC Tarheels. He was proud of his Waldensian heritage and his Scotch Irish and English heritage. Joseph will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, October 3, 2022 at 11 am at Hillcrest Cemetery in Valdese, NC.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Simpsonville, SC

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Valdese First Methodist Church and/or Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System/Hospice.