Rev. Howard William Cureton Jr.

Reverend Howard William Cureton, Jr. is the oldest son of the late Howard W. Cureton, Sr. and the late Estella K. (Digby) Cureton born on August 15, 1945 in Lancaster, SC. Rev. Cureton was educated in the Lancaster County (SC) public school system and graduated in 1963 from Barr Street High School. He later enlisted in the United States Navy and became an Active Reservist. Immediately following his military tenure, he completed theological and counseling studies at the Morris College School of Religion and enrolled in New Life University in Charlotte, NC where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Divinity.

Rev. Cureton's ministry began in 1976 under the leadership of the Rev. R.J. Stewart at Zion Pilgrim Baptist Church, Lancaster, SC. He served as the Senior Pastor of Union Hill Baptist Church in Pageland, SC for over twenty years. Concurrently, Rev. Cureton served as Senior Pastor of Rock Hill Baptist Church in Heath Springs, SC for over forty years. During his almost five decades of preaching, he touched many lives, encouraged many to turn their lives over to Christ, unified many in holy matrimony, and consoled countless hearts at homegoing services.

Rev. Cureton's civic duties have included a long-time membership of King David Masonic Lodge #41, a professional career counselor, Past Moderator of the former Bright Light Baptist Church Association and Mt. Moriah Baptist Church Association. Rev. Cureton also served as a volunteer chaplain for Home Health and Hospice of Lancaster, where he touched many lives. Rev. Cureton was recently honored with the TyRiffic Award for his Excellency in Ministry.

Aside from his ministerial duties, Rev. Cureton maintained gainful employment at various locations around the region including Standard Trucking Company, Charlotte, NC as a Lead Shipping and Receiving Coordinator, Springs Industries, and the Lancaster County Waste and Recycling Center as a Site Coordinator until he retired.

Rev. Cureton met the love of his life, Annie Jean Harris, on a blind date at a football game in Fall 1963. After dating many years, they were blessed in holy matrimony on February 24, 1968.

Rev. Cureton was not only a devoted husband, but he was also devoted family-man. He was fondly known as "Brother or "Bro" to his parents, siblings and cousins and "Uncle Bro" to his nieces and nephews. It is because of him, the Cureton Family continues to host the annual Mother's Day cookout and dinner, which commemorates his initial sermon that was held in May 1976. Rev. Cureton was known for not only visiting the sick and shut-in members of his church, but also members of other churches he was acquainted with. In his recreational time, he enjoyed watching football and cheering on his favorite team, the San Francisco 49ers. He also enjoyed watching classic westerns and traveling.

Rev. Cureton leaves to cherish his fond memories, his wife, Annie Jean; Alicia C. Patterson of the home; Rev. Kenneth Cureton (Barbara) of Fort Mill, SC; and Camalah J. Cureton of Heath Springs, SC; five grandchildren, Devin Patterson (Danielle) of Moore, SC; William Patterson of Rock Hill, SC; Braylen, Bryson, and Ariah Harley, all of Heath Springs, SC; three great-grandchildren, Connor Patterson of Moore, SC; Kaisen and Kyrie Patterson, of Rock Hill, SC. Also left to honor Rev. Cureton's life, a faithful and dedicated sister, Faye P. Cureton of Lancaster, SC; three brothers, Columbus N. Cureton (Deanna) of Washington, D.C.; Aron L. Cureton, Sr. of Lancaster, SC; and Robert Craine (Dorothy) of Dover, DE; and two sisters-in-law, Laverne Reed (Will) of Matthews, NC; and Betty Harris of Ruby, SC; and one brother-in-law, Odell Harris (Vanessa) of East Orange, NJ.

Rev. Cureton was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Abrielle Harley; two sisters, Carolyn P. Hood and Marian V. Blackmon; two brothers, Johnny L. Cureton and Ernest E. Cureton; six brothers-in-law; and four sisters-in-law.

Rev. Cureton had a special bond with all of his nieces and nephews, and especially his nephew, Rev. Eric L. Cureton and great-niece, Dr. LaShonda T. Cureton; and his sons-in-love, Maurice Patterson and Rev. Bernard Thompson.

Rev. Cureton was motivated by a motto credited to his pastoral mentor and professor, Rev. Dr. Ike Harvey; "Pastoring is the hardest job you will ever love." He worked tirelessly through encouraging himself through his favorite biblical passages: "I wur war the warks of him that sent me, while i is day; the night cometh, when no man can (John 9:4) and "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4: 13)

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