Onia Massey Cureton

Mrs. Onia Massey Cureton was born on March 4, 1950, in Lancaster, to the late Marvin Massey
and Tora Mills Massey. On Saturday, May 16, 2026, she entered eternal rest to be with her Lord
and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Onia grew up in the close-knit community of Van Wyck, where neighbors cared for and
supported one another like family. She was educated in Lancaster County Schools and graduated
from Barr Street High School in 1968. During her time there, she met the love of her life, Ronald
Antone Cureton. Together, they attended South Carolina State University for two years.
Although she dreamed of becoming an art teacher, her greatest joy was found in becoming a
devoted wife and mother.

After marrying Ronald in 1970, they welcomed three daughters into their lives: Tora, Nikki, and
Kenya. Onia dedicated herself wholeheartedly to nurturing and guiding her family. She
expressed her love through homemade meals and special treats, including doughnuts, bagels,
cookies, and beautifully crafted cakes, for which she became especially known. Gifted with
many creative talents, she enjoyed sewing, crocheting, calligraphy, and cross-stitch. She also
instilled in her daughters the values of etiquette, education, and a lifelong love of learning.
Later in life, Onia followed her passion for teaching by becoming a preschool teacher at
Southside Early Childhood Center, where she lovingly impacted the lives of hundreds of children
in the Lancaster community.

Raised as a born-again, Spirit-filled Christian, Onia faithfully lived as a witness to God’s love
and grace. Even while facing health challenges in recent years, she often described her life as a
“win-win” situation: if she remained here, she would continue enjoying time with loved ones;
and if called home, she would spend eternity with the Lord.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories her daughters: Tora Louise Cureton; Nikki
Veronica Cureton of Indian Land; and Kenya Cureton Papillion of Lancaster; three
grandchildren, Zachary Nicolas Cureton, Oniah Simone Papillion, and Jeremiah Garvey
Papillion; and honorary grandchild, Zhi Williams.
She is also survived by her sisters: Regina Malcolm of Washington, Vickie Witherspoon of
Jacksonville, and Marlene Grant of Ladson; brothers: Melvin Massey (Betty) of Waxhaw and
Ronald Massey of Lancaster; sister-in-law Lorraine Perry; brothers-in-law Robert L. Cureton II
(Brenda), Jerome K. Cureton (Edna Ruth), and Timothy B. Cureton (Ann); along with a host of
nieces, nephews, cousins, classmates, other relatives, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ronald Antone Cureton; her parents, Marvin
and Tora Massey; and brothers-in-law Mike C. Cureton, Lionel T. Perry, and Glynn N. Cureton.
Her life was a beautiful testimony of faith, love, creativity, and devotion to family and
community. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

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