Perry J. Brown Funeral Home | Greensboro, NC
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Obituary For Gilbert Casterlow Jr.
Dr. Gilbert Casterlow, Jr. earned his eternal rest on Wednesday, December 2, 2020. Dr. Casterlow, son of the late Gilbert and Juanita Casterlow, Sr., was born in Rich Square, North Carolina. He graduated from W.S. Creecy High School and received B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mathematics from North Carolina A&T State University.
Dr. Casterlow earned a Ph.D. in Mathematics Curriculum and Instruction from The Pennsylvania State University in 1980. An instructor of mathematics who taught from 1971-77 and returned to his alma mater in 1980, Gilbert Casterlow, Jr., was acknowledged as a great motivator, role model, administrator, and surrogate father by students and junior faculty alike. Students were drawn to his classes, workshops, and seminars by his enthusiasm, hands-on instruction, spirited discussions, and his unwavering support of their academic aspirations. His teaching and mentoring with public and private school teachers led to his appointment to the position of Mathematics Education Coordinator for the Greensboro Area Mathematics and Science Education Center (GAMSEC). Hundreds of teachers from diverse backgrounds sharpened their teaching skills, prepared for licensure, or completed graduate programs in mathematics through these courses and workshops to improve mathematics and science instruction.
Dr. Casterlow’s work established him as an NC A&T Representative in the area of Mathematics Education for the UNC Mathematics and Science Education Network and promoted his greater involvement on a variety of regional and state boards and committees. This presence at the state level allowed him to keep the university on the cutting edge of policy making and educational practice, which supported his efforts to keep students at the forefront of Mathematics Education. His mentoring and involvement of students led to an A&T student becoming the first African American to be recognized as the Outstanding Mathematics Education Student by the North Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCCTM) in 1988. Through a systematic mentoring and professional development program for students, including the establishment of a student chapter of NCCTM at A&T, eight NC A&T students won that prestigious award.
Over the years, Dr. Casterlow’s work with students and school teachers was formally extended to university faculty members when he provided the leadership for a National Calculus Reform Program as an extension of the National Alliance for Minority participation in 1994-1998. This program generated over $1,000,000 of support for 81 faculty leaders at 35 Minority Serving Universities across the country. Approximately 5,000 students per year continued to benefit from this ongoing program. An outreach component of this program, AP Calculus on the Information Highway with the Guilford County Schools, gained national recognition and served as a prototype for numerous programs on the campus, throughout the state and across the country.
Involvements, such as those described above, led Dr. Casterlow to numerous state and national leadership positions. These included President for the Central Region of NCCTM where he established a record for conference attendance and finances generated during his administration, Member of the Minority Participation Committee for the Mathematical Association of America and Member of the National Faculty. These appointments were paralleled by campus leadership positions that included Mathematics Education Coordinator, Chair of the College of Arts and Sciences Grade Appeals Board, Chair of the University Promotion and Tenure Committee, Chair of the Faculty Grievance Committee, and Chair of the Admissions and Retention Committee. Dr. Casterlow received the University’s outstanding teaching award twice, 1990 and 1996. In 1991, he received The Pennsylvania State University Outstanding Teacher Award and garnered the 1996 Excellence in Teaching Award, one of the highest honors in the University of North Carolina System. In 1994, he received the W.W. Rankin Award, the top award, given by the North Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Dr. Casterlow was also a lifetime member of the North Carolina A&T State University Gate City Alumni Chapter. He also recently received the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dr. Casterlow also taught at Bennett College and Winston-Salem State University. He was active in his community and worked for over 13 years with the Saturday Academy (Grades 4-8). A sixth degree black belt in Karate, he was the head instructor of the NC A&T Karate Dojo (Club) and sponsored many national karate tournaments. He also served as senior advisor to the A&T Dojo as well as numerous satellite locations. An avid bowler for 36 years, Dr. Casterlow bowled a perfect 300 game, which landed him in the Bowlers’ Hall of Fame. As a member of East White Oak Missionary Baptist Church, he served as a high school Sunday School teacher, a trustee, and organized the Greater Greensboro Crop Walk for his church for a number of years. Dr. Casterlow was initiated into the Kappa Psi Chapter of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity in the Fall of 1968 and remained a lifetime member.
In 2002, Dr. Casterlow was appointed Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Director of Summer Sessions and Outreach. During his tenure in this position, he mobilized the team to generate record enrollments, record revenues and record levels of pre-college outreach involvement. His unit won national recognition from the North American Association of Summer Sessions for its collaborative initiatives with other units on campus that led to record levels of productivity while simultaneously cutting costs.
Dr. Casterlow enjoyed his time as a Professor Emeritus, mentor, volunteer and grandfather. He gave back to the university by volunteering to teach Mathematics when other professors were absent. He also tutored university and public school students and conducted workshops to provide support for Mathematics teachers. He always encouraged young people to further their education and to pursue their passion. He and his wife, Patricia, established the G and P Casterlow Endowed Scholarship, a $200,000+ Endowed Scholarship in Mathematics, Secondary Education. To reach this goal, he and his family match the donations received from their donors. As a cancer warrior, Dr. Gilbert Casterlow, Jr. and his wife provided support for persons diagnosed with cancer through shared information and encouragement. They have shared their experiences in a documentary for the UNC Bone Marrow Transplant Center, were chosen as the poster family for the Wesley Long Cancer Center and served on the UNC Patient Advisory Board. He and his grandson Bryson, have been recognized by the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center for raising awareness and funds for Multiple Myeloma and other blood cancers.
Cherished memories will forever remain in the hearts of: his devoted wife of 41 years, Patricia Vaughan Casterlow; daughters, Bonita Casterlow Mittman (Benjamin Jr.) of Durham, NC; Laveda Casterlow McDowell (LeRoy) of Wake Forest, NC; and Marquita Casterlow Richardson (Eric) of Greensboro, NC; 5 grandchildren, Benjamin Mittman, III. and Bryson Mittman of Durham, NC, Landon McDowell and Logan McDowell of Wake Forest, NC, and Eli Richardson of Greensboro, NC; siblings, Arna Greene of Jackson, NC, Betty Vaughan of Passaic, New Jersey, William Casterlow, Sr. (Betty) of Clifton, New Jersey, Clyde Casterlow (Carolyn) of Greensboro, NC, Samuel Casterlow of Greensboro, NC, and Clarence Casterlow (Nyoka) of Woodland, NC; Aunt, Yvonne Casterlow Taylor of Passaic, New Jersey; sister-in-law, Helen Anthony of Murfreesboro, NC; brothers-in-law, Melvin Vaughan (Darlene) of Murfreesboro, NC, Robert Vaughan of Mapleton, NC and a host of relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family of Dr. Gilbert Casterlow, Jr. is humbly requesting donations be made to North Carolina A&T State University, designated for The Gilbert and Patricia V. Casterlow Endowed Scholarship in Mathematics c/o North Carolina A&T State University, University Advancement, 1601 East Market Street, Suite 400, Greensboro, NC 27411.
By making a gift to this endowed scholarship in memory of Dr. Gilbert Casterlow, you are helping to support a fund that was established by Gilbert and Patricia to live on in perpetuity, providing much needed funds for deserving students for generations to come.
The link to contribute is here: https://app.mobilecause.com/form/QT6jNw?vid=ez9tr. Individuals can also easily give via their mobile device by texting Casterlow to 41444, which will provide that secure link in which to complete the contribution.
Donations may also be made to East White Oak Missionary Baptist Church, 1815 Water Street, Greensboro, NC 27405.
Cards and condolences can be mailed to his lovely wife, Mrs. Patricia V. Casterlow and his loving daughters Bonita Casterlow Mittman, Laveda Casterlow McDowell and Marquita Casterlow Richardson at the following address:
4229 Queen Beth Dr. Greensboro, North Carolina 27405-6360
A public visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 from 4pm-6pm at the Cassie Coote-Brown Memorial Chapel of Perry J. Brown Funeral Home. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a private graveside service will be held on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at Lakeview Memorial Park.
A video tribute honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Gilbert Casterlow, Jr. will be forthcoming.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sE6nLrHQ_QM&feature=youtu.be
THE FAMILY IS REQUESTING NO FLOWERS BE SENT DUE TO ALLERGIES
Guest Book
I had Dr. Casterlow for Cal I & II back in 1984. I had just come down from NJ and he kept saying that if I didn't do well I would wind up working at Cone Mills. After all these years I have come back to live in WS, NC only to find that an icon of this state is no longer with us. I'm so sorry for his passing and hope that you know that his inspiration lives on through those of us who remember him. -- Derek Freeman, former student
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To Pat, daughters and their families: You lay on my heart and mind,frequently.I pray increasing comfort and peace for you. Gwennella Lamberth Quick
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To Pat, daughters and their families: You lay on my heart and mind,frequently.I pray increasing comfort and peace for you. Gwennella Lamberth Quick
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Had Doc for Calc' I '82/'83. Handed me my 1st test back. Inquired about my upbringing - eastern NC farmhand. "Make another grade (7/100) like that and you'll be back on the farm." Made a 93/100 on next test, Doc challenged me to do 4 problems on blackboard: 4/4 and 100; otherwise, 93. Got 4/4. I've told that story each and every year for the past 28 years at the first tutoring session to my K-12+ math tutees. 2016 Harford County Most Beautiful: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/harford/aegis/ph-ag-most-beautiful-people-2016-20161012-story.html%3foutputType=amp 2017 U S Army Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) Civilian Volunteer of The Year: https://apgnews.com/community-news/apg-volunteers-honored-community-support/ Thank you, Dr. Casterlow
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I will never forget moving next door to The Casterlows. They were so friendly and welcoming! They both offered tutoring to our four children and Mr. Casterlow was full of wisdom and advice. I remember my sons causing a mishap to their shed with a baseball and not telling us. Mr. Casterlow wouldn't let us pay for the repair. Instead he had the guys come over and work off their debt. He always said it takes a village and he was right! They learned many lessons from him. Thank you Sir for helping us raise our village! We love you all and you will continually be in our prayers.
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May my condolences bring you comfort and may my prayers ease the pain of this loss. Dr. Casterlow was one of the best Mathematic Professors I ever had. He as a great motivator, role model, administrator, and surrogate father to many of us while I was at A&T. May he rest in Honor Sensei Dr. Gilbert Casterlow Jr. Sixth Degree Black Belt. He was the head instructor of the NC A&T Karate Dojo (Club) and senior advisor to the A&T Dojo and other locations. He is a giant whose support, encouragement and wisdom will be sorely missed. I was on A&T's Karate team from 1989 to 1996 as a visiting Karate instructor and I trained with Dr. C for those years. I am deeply saddened by the news of the loss of Dr. Casterlow. I pray that God will grant his family the strength. My most sincere condolences to everyone who was touched by such a great man and person. From Sensei Yusef L. Nelson Engineering Physics Class of 1996
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Out of all my Professors I had at A&T, Dr. Casterlow was my favorite by far. He will be missed and the family has my deepest condolences. Christopher Mitchell c/o 04
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The best math teacher/mentor!!!!
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My prayers and deepest sympathy to The Casterlow Family. Pat Keith and family
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Dr. Gilbert Casterlow was a great person. He love his family. He was my best friend, my big brother and my Sensei. He taught me about life and how to deal with life. I always loved his conversations we had. They were always educational and up lifting. He made me what I am today a respectable person and a World karate champion. May God continue comfort you of your lost.
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Dr. Casterlow was such a beautiful man. I feel honored to have known him and am extremely saddened by his loss. I have so many fond memories of him. The one that I most cherish is how much he loved my deviled eggs. Sitting beside him at his kitchen table and making them while he talked about life was a priceless experience that will forever remain with me. Thank you, Mrs. Casterlow, Bonnie, Veda & Marquita for allowing me to be a part of your lives and for sharing him with so many people. He will truly be missed.
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Gibert called me a "brother with another mother" , and I felt the same for him. Good bye my brother. Dr. Robert Mers Associate Professor of Mthematics a
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Condolences to the Casterlow Family We were "AGGIES" together from 1967-1971. My wife and Pat taught together. Dr.Gil and Mrs Joan C. White(RIHP 2013) taught at Saturday Academy at NCA&T STATE UNIV. Another great educator called my his heavenly father. EDWIN M. WHITE III(AGGIE class of 1971).
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Dr. Casterlow was one of the most energetic, inspiring and loving professors, ever. As an engineer, I was destined to take a lot of math and truly fortunate to take one of his calculus classes. He challenged you to give your best effort and chastised you if you failed yourself. You could tell he loved being an educator and wanted everyone to succeed. I thank God for professors like Dr. Casterlow and NC A&T for giving him a platform to bless so many students. Rest well Math Warrior. Reginald D. Alston, Esq. Class of 1994
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My condolences to the Casterlow family. No words can heal the loss of future narratives with someone held so sacred. May memories bring healing balm over time and may his legacy continue to live on through each of you. Many prayers lifted. -Rev. Kyndra Frazier, Alpha Mu, Spr 03'
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My condolences to the Casterlow family. No words can heal the loss of future narratives with someone held so sacred. May memories bring healing balm over time and may his legacy continue to live on through each of you. Many prayers lifted.
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Gilbert was our friend. His dedication to NCCTM, Nathematics Education and to students will be treasured by those who were fortunate enough to have known and worked with Gilbert. Rest in peace! Ann and Robert Joyner, ECU
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I met and started league bowling with "Cass" in the late 1980s. I used to love it he give a high karate kick when he was feeling it and rolling strikes.
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Prayers to the Casterlow Family. I had the pleasure of being a student of Dr. Casterlow. He was an amazing instructor. Very fair! He loved his family. My prayers are with you all. Terra Pike Cornelius
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Pat and family, we hope and pray you are comforted by fond memories during this time and beyond. Sensei volunteered so much of his time and talents for countless students in pursuit of the art of Goju-Ryu. His teachings, example and spirit certainly extended well beyond karate, and serve me to this day. Both of you will always have a special place in our hearts. "The Fighting Aggies" will carry on! J. Randall Byrd
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So sorry to hear of the passing of your father Laveda, Bonita, and Marquita. You have and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. -Martinique Free
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Thank you Dr. Casterlow for accepting me as a non-traditional student back in 2003. I entered A&T in January of that year as an EE major, but soon realized that math education was destined for my life. You helped me through the entire transition and encouraged me to be the best math teacher I can, before I graduated. I6 years later, I still reflect on those words with every new group of students that enter my classroom. Rest easy Dr. Casterlow and know that your impact in so many lives will continue to shine! My condolences to the Casterlow family. Jeffrey Alexander, c/o 2005.
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Wow, Mr. Casterlow - had it not been for him, his patience in teaching and understanding I would have never made it out of Calculus!!!!! May God bless you in this time of your loss!
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So very sorrow to hear about Dr.Casterlow passing. He was a very nice man and a die hard Aggie. Great memories of him and Ron McNair on A&T's campus running in their Karate uniforms back in the day. Memories of him, his wife and daughter working out at Golds Gym several years ago. RIP Casterlow!!
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May the memories of Dr. Casterlow give us strength in the days that lie ahead. I've know Gilbert most of my life from George, NC, Woodland Graded School, W. S Creecy High School, Jerusalem Baptist Church and as our no microphone needed MC at our George-Woodland Reunions. Heaven has gained another Angel and we have his memories. I'm praying for strength, courage and much love for his precious Family. Martha Lewis Clark
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Dr. Casterlow was an incredible professor. I admired how passionate he was not only for math but karate. It made him multidimensional when so many professors never shared their life outside the classroom, rendering them unidimensional. I remember thinking it odd at the time, but somehow important. Plus, I loved math upon entering his class, but he made me love it even more. His impact and legacy live on, something I can only hope to achieve. My condolences to his family and friends.
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Condolences to The Casterlow Family .Dr.Casterlow your presence will be missed at The George Woodland Reunions
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Condolences to the Casterlow. I was sadden when I found out that he had passed, he will be missed throughout his community.
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Dr. Gilbert Casterlow, "Old Country HomeBoy" who was a wonderful Black Man and Mathematician that inspired other Black Mathematicians like me to become "Great Black Men". Dr. Casterlow's positive personality was contagious. If you had the HONOR to know him, then you met one of the GREATEST!!!!!!! I'm Sending And Requesting Positive Prayers and Love to Dr. Casterlow's Family. Thank You , Miss You & Love You, John W. Wilson Jr. "Aggie Pride"
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Mrs. Casterlow, We were so deeply sadden to learn of Dr. Casterlow's death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your daughters, grandchildren and family. We have such good memories of bowling with Dr. Casterlow. May your faith in God, your memories and the love and support of family and friends sustain you during this most difficult time. Art and Delores Lawrence
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O-Sensei December 7, 2020, the Griot Poet (pen name of Reginald L. Goodwin) His story would start in Ritz Square, On his father's farm, he'd remember fondly, Telling stories as he taught mathematics and karate, He would meet the love of his life at NC A&T, Sensei Pat would keep the club going, As he matriculated to Penn State for his Ph.D., He taught me Calculus and karate, Balancing teaching, bowling, work at home, husband to Sensei Pat, and father of Bonnie, Veda, and Marquita, He was a surrogate father to hundreds on a large HBCU campus, He smiled and laughed, but he was serious about excellence, In academics and the Dojo floor, Which means "place of the way," We heard the stories of "redness of the skin disqualification," Racist rules in tournament competition, We trained for the challenges we had yet faced, That he met with honor, grace, and faith, It was not uncommon to cross the Dojo floor, And see the ice imprint of your previous steps, See your karate shout in front of you condense to the cold, Or running outside into a snowstorm, In our karate GI's and bare feet, We did massive calisthenics because we didn't have fancy equipment, But we had: Heart, Soul, Iron discipline, Uncanny resilience - instilled by him, To face the dragons that would come against us, To face the adversary without fear, but calm presence and persistence: We were, and are proud Aggies, He graduated hundreds of us, never worried, or wondered, He knew we would be successful, In whatever we HOPED or dreamed of achieving: We were ALL his daughters and sons of thunder. Domo arigato - "thank you very much" our great teacher, Sensei Gilbert Casterlow. Source of O-Sensei: Morihei Ueshiba was a Japanese martial artist and founder of the martial art of aikido. He is often referred to as "the founder" Kaiso or sensei, "Great Teacher." (Wikipedia)
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Dr. Gilbert Casterlow, Jr. will be truly missed at the W.S. Creecy Class of 1967 functions. He always wore a smile wherever he showed up. He always had words of wisdom and of encouragement to share with everyone. Our prayers are with his lovely wife, Patricia, and his beautiful daughters and their families. Truly GOD has chosen a beautiful flower for HIS own company! (Evelyn Mitchell Neal, W.S.Creecy Class of 1967)
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My husband and I and Gilbert and his wife had dinner together during our 50th class reunion in Charleston, S.C. We talked and talked and I will always cherish those memories. Cynthia Hardy Lassiter, W.S.Creecy, Class of '67
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With Deepest Sympathy, In this time of sadness, may you be comforted in the knowledge that others care. Johnny Majette, class of 67. WHHSQ
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Casterlow and I entered A&T together in the summer of 1967. He truly was a good person and will be missed. Jimmy Newkirk (Class of 71)
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I remember meeting Dr. Casterlow when he was a freshman at A&T University. He escorted my sister to the prom. Later as a freshman myself at A&T, he guided me through my math class. He was always patient and genuine. He will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to his family. May God bless you.
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Dr. Casterlow was one of the first faculty members that I met upon entering NC A&T as a graduate student. I could not have asked for a warmer welcome to the University. Dr. Casterlow knew no strangers and had a way of making you feel like he had known you for years. I valued him as my professor for multiple courses and subsequently as my colleague years later. Dr. Casterlow was an excellent mentor and always provided wise, caring guidance. May Dr. Casterlow's light continue to shine. I pray that God will comfort his family. We will miss him down here, but his arrival in heaven is a celebration up there.~Dr. Kathy Cousins-Cooper
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His smile and enthusiasm for teaching will never be matched. He will be missed.
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Dr Casterlow was my first period first class for my freshman year in Fall 1983. He was a mentor who connected with each student to help with anything that we needed to know and learn to be successful. Calculus was the foundation of all of the math and engineering classes that I completed. I would like to thank his family for sharing him with us for so many years He will be missed.
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Rest In Peace cousin, Gilbert, and you will be missed tremendously. I have enjoyed all of the Casterlow family reunions, and you always had a wealth of knowledge. I will also miss talking about A&T's homecomings!!
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I am so sorry for your lost . Dr. Casterlow was not a good person he was a great person. He was always willing to help anyone. He was my big brother and my best friend. We could always talk about anything. He was my Karate Instructor or Sensei. Not only that he taught me about life and how to deal with it. Dr . Casterlow made me what I am today. I am a better person and also he help me to become a world Karate champion. May God give the family peace and heal them of there loss .
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With a warm sense of humor cousin Gilbert, Jr as we so fondly called him, reminded us all, men especially to check yourself here, here and here! Lol Strong and a bright smile always that's how I will remember Dr. Casterlow. To my Casterlow family we love you!
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My cousins who was always willing to share words of wisdom and encouragement. My favorite memory is him bring his family home for Christmas and attending sunrise services at Jerusalem Baptist church. John Deans Jr.
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My cousin, a man who shared his wisdom, beliefs,smiles,and love, told me once that family must come first. I will never forget our conversations. Patricia Deans Hughes and Lashoon Hughes
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Dear Mrs. Casterlow and Family, I was saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Casterlow. I first met him in 1991 upon my arrival at NC A&T as a visiting professor in the, then, Math/CS Department. He welcomed me, genuinely, and made me feel like a member of the Aggie family. He used to always say, "People won't care how much you know, until they know how much you care." To this day, I am reminded of those words as I teach and interact with students in higher education. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." .~ Revelation 21:4 ML Haigler, Greensboro NC
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So sorry to hear. Dr. Casterlow was truly an asset to A & T and to the community. He always had a smile and a wonderful spirit. Prayers for the family. Nagatha & Dale Tonkins and Family
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So sorry to hear. Dr. Casterlow was truly an asset to A & T and to the community. He always had a smile and a wonderful spirit. Prayers for the family.
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You always had a "big smile and a kind word".... Mildred Bryant Oliver W.S. Creecy School Classmate 1967
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My sincere thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family!
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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
- Perry J. Brown Funeral Home | Greensboro, NC