Curtis Tyrone Massey

Curtis Tyrone Massey, age 60 of Petersburg, VA was called home with the Lord on May 27, 2020 at his home in Washington, DC.

He was born on December 26, 1959, in Petersburg, VA. Curtis was the beloved son of the late Walter Massey and Julia Williams Massey.

Curtis Loved the Lord and confessed Christ at an early age.  He was an active member of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Petersburg for many years. When he resettled in the metropolitan DC area he affiliated himself with the East Friendship Baptist Church in N.E. Washington, DC. until he was called by the Lord. Curtis had a generous heart and was known for the numerous fundraisers held to benefit those less fortunate and in support of local grassroots organizations dedicated to providing services to those communities generally underserved by mainstream programs. He lived by scripture stating, "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:10)

Curtis received his early education in the Petersburg Public School System. In June 1978, he graduated from Petersburg High School and readied himself for his college years. In the Fall of 1978, Curtis attended The North Carolina Central University (NCCU), in Durham North Carolina where he received his BA in Public Administration. While there he served in student government  as President from 1981-82. During his tenure in this position Curtis formalized the University’s first Parents Weekend, organized the first State of North Carolina's Historically Black College and University march and rally which took place in Raleigh, N.C. His dedication to the students and his Alma mater was recognized by the University and supporting organizations.  Curtis received numerous awards and recognition, among them were the North Carolina Central University award For Outstanding Service to Student Government 1979-80; North Carolina Association of Black Student Government  award in appreciation for untiring and dedicated service as Chairman of the Association 1981-82; North Carolina Central University of Student Affairs award for organizing North Carolina Central University's Annual Parents Day 1981-82; For untiring and devoted service as Student Government Association President, Curtis  was recognized by the NCCU Student Government Association 1981-82; Curtis also received the National Pan-Hellenic Council General Leadership Award during "Greek Week" for dedicated service rendered to the NCCU community, April 3, 1981; Curtis was also recognized by the NCCU Parents Weekend Committee and received an award in his capacity of the Student Government Association President in recognition of his work coordination the Parents Weekend events 1981-82.

Upon graduation from North Carolina Central University, Curtis secured employment with the State of Virginia in Prince William County, from 1982-89. For a brief period of time thereafter, he took a position with the Federal Government before returning to the State of Virginia with a position with Fairfax County from 1989-91. He then moved to his final position with the United States Department of Labor where he worked for 26 years and retired on disability December 31, 2017.

Throughout his life, Curtis recognized the importance of giving back to his local community and the larger community as a whole. Curtis organized countless fundraisers for local groups such as Us Helping US, Food and Friends, and So Others May Eat. His generosity and selflessness was unparalleled.  In 2005 Curtis received the Thulow Evans Tibbs Jr. Award from Us Helping Us; and in 2010, Curtis was again recognized by his NCCU and named Mr. Alumni for his contribution to NCCU.

Curtis leaves to cherish his memory siblings: Walter Massey, Jr. (Yvonne, preceded in death), Delores Massey Thomas, Rev. Lawrence K. Massey, Sr. (Loretta), Barbara Ruth Massey Powell (Ronald), Michael J. Massey. Curtis Massey was preceded in death by his sisters Ella J. Massey, aka "BB", and Denise L. Massey Hussein; Nieces and Nephews: Kevin Massey (Summer), Shahid Shabazz (Linda), Tangee Massey Jones (Markelle), Shawnta Thomas Brent (Rick), Erik Thomas (Tameka), Cedric Stewart (Tiffany), LTC Lawrence Massey, Jr. (Mallory), Deon Stewart (Kenya), Deonka Stewart Euill (John), Monica Massey, and Adrienne Powell. One niece, Felicia Powell preceded him in death; Great-Nieces and Nephews:          

PO2 Christian Massey, Laisha Bowen, Ali Shabazz, Zekiah Jones, Micah Jones, Genesis Jones, Isaiah Massey, Erika Thomas, Aaliyah Stewart, Nayla Brent, Tristan Adams, Isabella Penkala, Elliott Euill, Savannah Massey, Aubrey Thomas, Lenox Stewart, Ariana N. Massey, and Nina Euill; one great great-niece, Aamira Shabazz.

A special thank you to the friends who became family, providing direct care, support, guidance and especially love to Curtis during this season of his life: Todd Capel, John Greene, Kenneth Godwin, Geneva Heyward, Keith Kearney,  Jeff Manuel, Sam Perryman, Sharon Spann, Michael Sessions.

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