The book of life was opened for Ora Bell Curtis on May 30, 1939 in Valdosta, Georgia to the late Ernest (Cat) Neal and Essie Mae Neal.

Ora Bell attended Pinevale High School and Valdosta Technical Institute. Ora Bell was a devoted Christian who loved the Lord and was a member of the New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church. She worked for Levi Strauss & Company for twenty-nine years. She was married to the late Johnny Lee Curtis.

Ora Bell was such a delight and had a kind, gentle spirit that was always welcoming to anyone she met. She reverenced the time with family and friends as she had a gift for bringing everyone together. Her vibrant love for family was evident to all who knew her.

Ora Bell had a love for all kinds of music. She delighted herself with listening to all genres, especially songs by Luther Vandross. She was a great conversationalist and everyone that she met loved her. Ora Bell grew beautiful flowers and consistently spent time in her yard nurturing them. Whether you were walking or driving by, you would always see her in her swing relaxing. Ora Bell was a “Boggle” champion, crossword puzzle wiz and a solitaire title holder. She was the pillar and staple of her community.

On Monday, January 1, 2024. God called this angel, Ora Bell Curtis home at her residence.

Ora Bell was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny Lee Curtis; her mother and father, Ernest and Essie Mae Neal; her son, Ricky Bernard Curtis; her mother-in-law, Elizabeth Bristle; her son-in-law and daughter-in-law, Gary Copeland and Patricia Curtis; her brothers and sister-in-law, John Lee Ford, Andrew Ford and Audie Ford; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Dorothy O’Neal, Thelma Kyer, Johnnie Mae Davis, Booker T. Washington, Leroy Davis and Cleveland Kyer, Jr.

Ora Bell leaves to celebrate her life and legacy, her five children, Johnnie Mae (Romer) of Valdosta, GA, Gary Trent Curtis of Valdosta, GA, Jacqueline Renee Merine (Frederick) of Columbus, GA, Jennifer Copeland of Valdosta, GA and Ernest Neal Curtis (Penny) of Atlanta, GA; 19 grandchildren; 49 great grandchildren; 6 great great grandchildren; her beloved baby sister, Willie Mae Washington of Miami, FL; god daughter, Brigitte Hampton of Columbus, GA; god son, Jerome Graham of Valdosta, GA; a host of special nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and the New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church Family.

The celebration of life service will be held Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, 3488 Engberg Avenue, Valdosta, GA 31602. Rev. George W. Blunt, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at the New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.

Public viewing will be held on Friday, January 12, 2024 from 2:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

The funeral service will be live streamed on the funeral home Facebook and YouTube Page - Stevens Funeral Home (Valdosta, GA).

We Solicit Your Prayers for The CURTIS Family.

Due to COVID-19, Stevens Funeral Home will be enforcing social distancing and following the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. We ask that anyone entering the building and attending any funeral events to please wear a mask.

Stevens Funeral Home of Valdosta is serving The CURTIS family with care, compassion, love and uncompromising dignity.