Mrs. Curtisstine Young

In Loving Memory Of Our beloved Deacon, Curtisstine Young was born to the late Elgin and Marie Wade on June 10, 1936 in Eads, Tennessee. She had an older brother and was the oldest girl of nine children. At an early age, Curtisstine confessed her belief in Christ, joined church, was baptized and became an active member of the local church. When she and Tradina Watkins, her only child, moved to Detroit, Michigan in the mid 1960s, she became an active member of Third New Hope Baptist Church (TNH). At that time, the membership of TNH was about 50 people. As the membership grew, so did the many roles that Curtisstine embraced and fulfilled. Curtisstine was a loving and beautiful person. Interactions with her left you feeling genuinely valued and loved. She was a licensed cosmetologist and knew how to make you look beautiful as well as feel beautiful. For years, she was the "go-to person" for beautiful hair for many in the church and neighborhood. She eventually joined the professional hair salon staff as supervisor for the State of Michigan, Walter Reuther Psychiatric Hospital, where she shared her love of God and hair care talents for years. In the early years, Curtisstine's ministerial work included supporting/establishing a youth and senior choir, youth and senior usher board and benevolent and community outreach programs. She graciously served and helped lead the Mother's Board. She loved to sing God's praises with the Senior Choir as well as a small female group entitled "The Spiritual Five." Curtisstine was a pioneer being selected as one of only two female Deacons, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. E.L. Branch, at a time when women did not serve in such roles. She was instrumental in helping to lead and direct the meaningful evolution of women as deacons. Also, she was selected the leader of the Prayer Ministry in 2011 and started the first telephone Prayer Ministry at TNH in January, 2012. The prayer ministry began on Tuesdays at 7:30 pm at (415) 464-6800, pin 864772# then it extended to M-W-F at 6:00 am. All are welcomed. Later in the, covid pandemic, Bible studies were also done on this line. Deacon Curtisstine also founded the lively Golden Circle Ministry. She wisely shared that the Lord gave her the name in a dream. The group was originally for seniors, but all are welcomed. In this ministry, the members engage in different projects such as exercise classes, hand-made crafts, field trips, and usually ends in Bible Studies. They share joyful fellowship and laughter as they are maturing in the Word. They enjoy eating so the members would bring food or visit the Golden Corral or other restaurants. Deacon Curtisstine was a pillar of faith at TNH. She was respectfully and lovingly called Deacon Curtisstine by her beloved church family and friends, some of whom worked closely with her on the Pastoral Care ministry of Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Nelson and in fulfilling the deacon duties, which extended into the community. Deacon Curtisstine Young leaves to cherish her precious memory, a steadfast, caregiver and devoted daughter, Tradina Watkins, her esteemed siblings, Quency (Arthur) Flowers, Al (Pamela) Evans, Wilma (Ian) Peters-Lyon, and Brenda (Roderick) Evans-Spratling; special godchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Her beloved Third New Hope church family, which held her so dear, shall also cherish her memory and Spirit of Love, Wisdom and Faithfulness. So do not Fear, for I Am with You; do not be dismayed, for I Am Your God. I will Strengthen You and Help You; I will Uphold you with my Righteous Right Hand. Isaiah 41:10

Mrs. Curtisstine Young

June 10, 1936 - December 16, 2023