Curtis, Elsie Lee (Age 78) of Indian Head, Maryland

Elsie Lee (Onley) Curtis, was born on August 26, 1942 in Indian Head, Maryland.  She entered into eternal rest on Friday, August 21, 2020 peacefully at home.

Elsie was the third child of the late Elsie Lee and Raymond H. Onley, Sr.  She began her formal education in the public school system of Charles County, Maryland.  She attended Pomonkey High School.  Elsie was a faithful member of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Marbury, Maryland and later attended St. James Episcopal Church in Indian Head, Maryland.

On October 26, 1958, Elsie Lee wed the love of her life, the late Jerome W. Curtis, Sr., a union of over sixty-one blessed and happy years.  From this union they were blessed with seven children; Jerome W., Jr.  "Romey" (Darlene), Monica R. Curtis-Gloster (Eugene), Christopher A. "Chris", Marvetta G. Curtis-White, Rodney "Lionel" (Roderica), Darryl "Ivan" and Verlon A. Curtis.

For over 20 years, Elsie was one of the best childcare providers in Indian Head.   She took care of kids from all over the surrounding  Southern Charles County area; from Woodland Village "The Projects," Marbury, Pomonkey and Pisgah.  She was employed for a short time at the Cannery in Bryans Road, MD, canning local fruits and vegetables.  In 1979 – 1984, she also worked at Maurice J. McDonough High School after its opening in Pomfret, MD, as a Food Service Worker.  She missed the kids so much that she went back to childcare.  Elsie also helped to raise most of her grandchildren.

Elsie loved listening to music: "Spirituals" as she called it, Classic R&B, Blues and Jazz were among her favorites.  Activities and hobbies; she enjoyed playing Bingo, sitting out in the yard playing cards with her best girl friends and family, and loved going to the Casino.  If there was a bus trip or a car going, she was on it!!  She also loved to travel and loved going to a good cabaret.  Elsie would tear the floor up.  There was always a family outing, picnic in the yard, Fort Washington Park and crabbing at Point Lookout.  It was always about family and friends.  Her specialties were fried chicken, greens, potato salad, deviled eggs and don't forget the sun tea!!  Elsie was always prepared and everything was packed and ready to go.  She didn't forget anything, if you didn't have salt and pepper, an aspirin, a drinking cup, she had it!!

Elsie loved her family; raising seven children and making sure dinner was always ready on time when Jerome got home from work.  She always made sure there was plenty to eat at every meal.  There was never a birthday missed without a "homemade cake."  The house and kids always stayed clean, she was the best mom around.

Elsie maintained close relationships with her family, childhood friends and classmates, especially Zenobia "Tookie" Turner.   She was a devoted wife and mother, and we can't forget a "Die Hard Redskins Fan," along with the rest of the Curtis clan.

Elsie was preceded in death by her husband Jerome W. Curtis Sr. - just three months ago, she truly missed her soulmate; her parents, the late Elsie Lee and Raymond H. Onley, Sr.; two brothers; Raymond, Jr. "Jimboy", Curtis G., two sisters; Marie Antoinette Payne and Ernestine "Fuzzy" Onley.

Elsie leaves to mourn her five sons, two daughters, eighteen  grandchildren, twenty-one great grandchildren along with two daughters-in-law and a son-in-law; three sisters; Renee Matthews, Marsha "Kay" Dade and Karen Matthews.  Also, included are a host of many nephews, nieces, other family members and great friends.

Her viewing will be held from 9:00am until time of service 11:00am on Wednesday, September 2nd, Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640.  Interment, St. Charles Cemetery, Glymont, Maryland.

On the day of service click on the link below to view live stream.

The audio can be found at the bottom right side of the screen,  Click on white bars until blue.

https://www.thorntonfuneralhomepa.com/live-stream