Curtis Stancil, Sr., 86

We regretfully announce the passing of Curtis Stancil, Sr. on Monday, March 14, 2022.

Curtis Stancil, Sr. was born February 6, 1936, in Robersonville, North Carolina to Noah and Rosanna Stancil. Curtis was educated in the Robersonville Public School System. In 1957, he relocated to New Haven, Connecticut to live with his cousin, Dennia Fisher. Curtis worked at Majestic Laundry before moving on to work at Olin Winchester U.S. Repeating Arms, where he would retire after 30 years.

Curtis became a member of Trinity Temple Church of God in Christ in New Haven, CT and served under the leadership of both the late Bishop Charles H. Brewer, Sr. and the late Bishop Charles H. Brewer, Jr. He was a member of the Trinity Temple Radio Choir. As an employee of Moore’s Carpeting Service, Curtis worked alongside his good friend, James Moore, Sr. to install carpet in the church. He enjoyed cooking southern food and used those skills to help raise funds by serving as one of the cooks in Trinity Temple’s kitchen. It was during this time Curtis perfected his famous Homemade Butter Hot Rolls” a recipe taught to him by his wife. From Connecticut to North Carolina, many people have enjoyed eating his rolls and southern meals which he prepared with love from his heart.

In 1958 he married Frances Clemintine (Estes) Stancil, and out of that union was born two children, Brenda (Stancil) Hammett and Curtis Stancil, Jr. They also helped raise their niece/bonus daughter, Vanessa Perkins Jones.

After retiring, he began travelling by train to visit friends and family as well as cooking and hosting dinners in his home. 

Curtis was predeceased by his parents, Noah and Rosanna Stancil; four brothers, William Stancil, Milton Stancil, Jorden Stancil, and Walter Lee Lynch; and one sister, Ernestine Parker.

Curtis is survived by Frances Clemintine Stancil; his children, Brenda (John, Sr.) Hammett, Curtis (Lori) Stancil, Jr., Larry (Joyce) Bess, and Alton Bess; grandchildren, John (Kendra) Hammett, Jr., Corey Hammett, and Shaylen Stancil; bonus grandchildren, Cymone Jones, Kayana Jones, and Amber Jones; great-grandchildren, Jamar Hammett, Jamel Hammett, and John Hammett, III; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He will be missed by all those who loved and knew him.

Sign up for our morning newsletter

Don't want to miss a single Independent article? Sign up for our daily email newsletter! Click here for more info.