Curtis A. Anderson

© The Guthrie News Leader

Sunday, March 11, 2001

Submitted by: Bob Chada

Graveside services for Curtis A. Anderson, 83, of Tampa, Fla., formerly of Crescent, Okla., will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, March 12, 2001 at Summit View Cemetery in Guthrie, Okla. Arrangements are by Abernathy Funeral Home of Crescent.

Curtis was born June 12, 1917 at Crescent to Ellis and Mettie Anderson. He died March 4, 2001 in Tampa, Fla.

He lived in Crescent until 1958 when he moved to Rockford, Ill. He lived in Rockford 42 years, and in Feb. 2000 he moved to Tampa, Fla.

He was employed by Winnebago County School System serving as a math teacher, guidance counselor, assistant principal and retired as principal of Wilson Middle School in 1978. Curtis was the first African-American Middle School Principal in Winnebago County.

Curtis married Essie Bufford on June 6, 1942 in Tucson, Arizona.

He was a member of Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church in Rockford where he served as a Sundey School teacher, member of the Board of Trustees, Lay organization and Finance Committee. He was also a member of the American Legion, Masons and a Charter Member of the Townsmen Club.

Survivors include his wife, Essie, of the home; one son, Michael Anderson of Pembroke Pines, Fla.; one daughter, Tamara Ashley of Tampa, Fla.; one dear friend, Geneva "Sissy" Anderson of Rockford, Ill.; a sister, Mayola Roberts of Oklahoma City; a sister-in-law, Zula Bufford of Crescent; five grandchildren; and a host of other relatives.