Hilda Mae Curry (nee Lee) was the beloved daughter of the late Clarence Lee and Jessie Williams Lee. She was born on March 13, 1938, in Lynchburg, Virginia, and transitioned peacefully into the presence of the Lord on July 5, 2025.

She had six siblings: three brothers, Raymond, Clifton, and Charles, and three sisters, Nancy, Sallie, and Pauline.

Hilda received her primary and secondary education through the Lynchburg public school system. She participated in her high school drama club. Hilda graduated from the historic Dunbar High School in 1956. She also attended Manna Bible Institute in Hainesport, New Jersey. Hilda’s ambition was to be successful in all her endeavors.

On January 17, 1959, Hilda married the love of her life, Robert Curry, in Russell County, Alabama. From this union, two children were born: Robert Lee and Vivyan Marcel. As a devoted military spouse, she stood faithfully beside her husband. Hilda embraced motherhood with passion and joy. She was an attentive and nurturing mother, known for her involvement as a Cub Scout Leader and as the “classroom mom,” which allowed her to chaperone school field trips. She also shared that immense love with her grandchildren. She enjoyed spending time with her grandsons and going on individual dates with each one of them.

The Curry family eventually settled in Mt. Holly, New Jersey, where Hilda became a cherished member of the community. She was a loving neighbor, friend, and servant, known for opening her home and heart to children in the neighborhood. Whether it was offering her home for the neighbors to cool off in the air conditioning during the summer, doing the neighborhood kids' hair, sharing a meal, or simply offering a listening ear, Hilda made everyone feel welcome and loved.

From a young age, she was actively involved in her faith, having been baptized at Diamond Hill Baptist Church, Lynchburg’s historic and second oldest African American church, under the leadership of the late Rev. Hodge. She also sang joyfully in the Diamond Hill Sunshine Choir, setting the foundation for a life filled with music, ministry, and service.

Later in life, she and Robert joined Second Baptist Church in Mt. Holly, New Jersey, under the leadership of Pastor Matthew Bobbitt. During this time, she became a proud member of the Burlington County Crusade Choir. Ultimately, the two became dedicated members of Christian Faith Assembly, beginning under the pastoral care of the late Pastor William H. Roane. She also served under the pastoral leadership of the late Pastor Russell Byrd, the late Interim Pastor Kathleen Harris, and the late Apostle Maurice Randolph, Sr. At the time of her passing, she was under the pastoral leadership and care of Christian Faith Assembly’s present Pastor, Rev. Dr. Joan Mitchell.

At Christian Faith Assembly, Hilda served faithfully in numerous ministries: Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday School, Sunday School teacher, Co-Director of Camp Judah, Director of the Angel Food Ministries of CFA, Chaplain of the Discipleship Ministry, a Missionary, and a strong alto in the Prayer Warriors, Voices of Victory, and Sanctuary Choirs. A signature part of her ministry was her loving gesture on Children’s Day—bringing gold dollar coins to give to each child present and thoughtfully sending extra for siblings who couldn’t attend.

She was also known for her love of fashion, especially her collection of elegant church hats in every color and style, many of them custom-made. In her later years, she joyfully wore Crocs, even to church, adding her own flair to comfort and style.

She had many interests and hobbies that brought her joy: shopping, dining with her dear friend Sister Joyce, working in her garden, cultivating plants, mowing the lawn, deep-sea fishing, and bowling in local leagues. She loved playing cards and board games, as well as capturing memories through photography and video. She would display all the photographs on the walls of her home. Hilda loved to cook, and her famous Goulash and Cream of Wheat were beloved favorites among family and friends. Her house was always filled with laughter, warmth, and the comforting aroma of home-cooked meals. She especially enjoyed preparing holiday feasts and took great joy in making Christmas dinner, always inviting everyone to join her table. Her generous spirit and open-door hospitality created cherished memories for all who gathered in her home.

Throughout her life, Hilda remained committed to lifelong learning. Her love of caring for youth prompted her to complete her certification to serve as a Teaching Parent for the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) and the Boys Town Program. She poured her heart into raising not only her children but also many displaced boys, helping them grow into strong and responsible young men.

Above all, Hilda Mae Curry was a servant of God whose life was a testimony of grace, character, perseverance, and love. She will be remembered for her strength, her kindness, her unwavering faith, and the countless lives she touched through her open heart and open home.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence Lee and Jessie Williams Lee; three brothers, Raymond, Clifton, and Charles; and two sisters, Nancy and Pauline.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband Robert Curry; one son, Robert Lee Curry (Sarah), one daughter, Vivyan Marcel Saloka; one sister, Sallie Brown, one sister-in-law Ella Lee; her beloved grandchildren: La’Quitta (Theodore), Anthony, Denise (Rodney), Christopher (Ryan), Crystal, Donovan and Jonathan, Great grandchildren: Ja’Corey, Michai, Ymani, Danish, Tierra, Rhanna, Ra’Zhon, Lavania, Layliana, Samia, Da’Shawn, Vida, Miyah, Christopher, Jr., Isaiah, William, Naomi & Naija, Great great grandchildren: Harlem, Jy’Aire, Kaiden, and Ma’lani, Godchildren: Dawn Long, Tiffany Johnson, and Katrina McNair along with a host of extended family members, neighbors, church family, and friends.

Her life was a song of love, faith, and service. Her legacy will continue to echo in the hearts of all who knew her.

Sorrowfully submitted,

The Family