Annie M James-Curry

The beloved Deaconess Annie James-Curry, affectionately known to many as Betty, Mother Curry, or Grandma, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on April 21, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family, leaving a legacy of faith, love, and warmth of a true matriarch. Born in the close-knit community of Nesmith, South Carolina, on March 3, 1944, Mother Curry was the cherished third daughter of ten children born to the late Mr. & Mrs. Rufus and Inetha McKnight. Her roots in Nesmith ran deep, grounded in family and faith. It was there, in her youth, that Annie often chose the comforting warmth of the kitchen over working in the fields, spending countless hours alongside her beloved mother and grandmother. Under their watchful eyes, Annie learned the art of cooking so well that it was often said there wasn't a dish she couldn't master, a skill that would later bless countless lives. After graduating from Battery Park High School in 1963, Annie, with her vibrant spirit and unwavering faith, journeyed north to Middletown, Connecticut. It was there that she found her spiritual home at Zion First Baptist Church, flourishing under the leadership of Rev. Zachary Hart, and where her commitment to Christ would shine ever so brightly. In 1964, Annie’s heart found a partner in Willie James, Sr. From this sacred union, they were blessed with three precious children, creating a family founded on love and devotion. Annie dedicated her talents to Travelers Insurance Company in Hartford, CT, where she served in numerous roles throughout her distinguished career. After Willie’s passing, God, in His infinite wisdom, brought Deacon Mayous Curry into her life. Together, they built a beautiful, blended family in 1987, a testament to God's enduring grace, encompassing four children, sixteen grandchildren, and twenty great-grandchildren. A tapestry of love woven with threads of shared joy and unwavering faith. Mother Curry was a steadfast and devoted servant at Zion First Baptist Church. Her melodious voice graced the Mass Choir. She served as President. The McKnight siblings sang together with her brother, Willie D., singing her favorite song, “Jesus Cares.” She also sang the famous duet "Jesus Will Pick You Up, If He has to reach way down,” with her younger sister Ruby." Her compassionate spirit led her to serve with distinction on the Missionary Board. She nurtured young souls as an Assistant Sunday School Teacher. True to her calling, she faithfully served as a Deaconess. She embraced this role with profound reverence and dedication. Even as her earthly limbs began to falter, Mother Curry’s spirit for ministry never wavered. Her home became a sanctuary, a bustling hub of God's love. From the comfort of her armchair, she continued her missionary work, offering counsel and spiritual guidance over the phone, her voice a soothing balm to those in need. Weekly prayer calls brought solace and strength to countless souls, and her famous dinners and legendary backyard barbecues were extraordinary. Folks would come from far and wide, not just for the blessed meals that left them delightfully "stuffed and content on the floor," but for the sheer joy of her fellowship and the palpable presence of God's love in her home. Mother Curry had a unique way of "adopting" everyone she met into her family, instantly greeting them with a radiant smile and effortlessly instilling the profound teachings of Jesus Christ with her warm, kind-hearted spirit. Her life was a testament to Ephesians 4:32: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." She lived what she believed, touching lives with every meal shared, every prayer offered, and every word of wisdom spoken. Deaconess Annie James-Curry was preceded in death by her beloved paternal grandparents, Beamer and Mary Graham McKnight; maternal grandparents, Henry and Jannie Nesmith; her devoted parents, Rufus and Inetha Nesmith McKnight; her first husband, Willie James Sr.; her dear son, Willie James Jr.; and cherished grandson, Malachi James. She also joins her sisters, Sadie Nesmith and Onetia Cokley; her brothers, Lewis McKnight and Bernard Pressley; her brothers-in-law, Elonzia Nesmith, James Lee, and Solomon Brunson; and her sisters-in-law, Betty McKnight and Cala Mae McKnight, all of whom she had a unique bond with. She leaves to cherish precious memories of her Deacon Mayous Curry of Hartford, CT; her loving husband of 39 years, whose devotion was a constant source of strength. Her memory will be forever treasured by her only daughter, Joanna Hill of East Hartford, CT, and her sons Thomas James of Hartford, CT, Melvin Stewart of Bloomfield, CT, and Spenser James McGhee of Waterbury, CT. Her spirit lives on through her beloved granddaughters Tamica Eady of Hartford, CT, Tiana James of Hartford, CT, Tesia Hill of East Hartford, CT, Christiana James of Hartford, CT, Hope Stewart of Bloomfield, CT, Destini Stewart of Bloomfield, CT, Trinity Stewart of Bloomfield, CT, and her precious Syniah James of Hartford, CT, who brought so much light and joy to Grandma’s home. Her grandsons are Willie D. James of Norwich, CT, Rashad James of Hartford, CT, Danté James of Hartford, CT, Jerome Stewart of Hartford, CT, Lincoln Hill Jr. of TX, Thomas James Jr., of Hartford, CT, Willie James III of Hartford, CT, and Sage James of Hartford, CT. Annie's siblings are Willie D. McKnight of Middletown, CT, Gennes (Willie) Hayes of Middletown, CT, Bessie (George) White of Middletown, CT, Ruby Brunson of Meriden, CT, Margaret (Willis) Brown of Middletown, CT, Josephine Lee of Middletown, CT, and Mary (Leevern) Burroughs of Nesmith, SC. She also leaves her goddaughter, LaTusha Hayes, 20 great-grandchildren, 2 aunts, 1 uncle, a host of nieces and nephews who were like her children, cousins, relatives, and neighbors. A multitude of dear friends, especially Jackie Black and Myrna Chuimento, more adopted kids, Chantel Alexander, Agnes Mcghie, Anita Hodges, Patricia-Ann Spruielle, Catherine Barber, and Angelina Nelson, whose lives were enriched by her presence. A special thanks to all of Mother Curry’s wonderful home care aides throughout the years, whose compassionate hearts and dedicated hands provided comfort and support, allowing her to remain in the loving embrace of her home. Deaconess Annie James-Curry lived a life overflowing with faith, family, and a generous spirit that touched everyone she encountered. Her unwavering commitment to God and her boundless love for humanity will forever be etched in our hearts. While our hearts ache at her absence, we rejoice that she has received her eternal crown and rests peacefully in the arms of her Savior. The wake will be held on Thursday, May 7th, 2026, from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. at McClam Funeral Home North, 125 Coe Ave, Middletown, CT 06457. A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, May 8th, 2026, with calling hours from 10:00 a.m. to 11 a.m., and the funeral service immediately following at Zion First Baptist Church, 16 James A. Moses Ave, Middletown, CT. Interment at Pine Grove Cemetery, Middletown, CT. Services of comfort provided by McClam Funeral Home North, 125 Coe Ave, Middletown, CT 06457. To leave a message for the Curry family, please visit http://www.mcclamfuneralhome.net./

Annie M James-Curry

March 3, 1944 - April 21, 2026