In Loving Memory of Curtis Atterberry

Curtis Atterberry, son of the late John and Daisy Atterberry, was born in Denmark, SC, on May 8, 1937. On Saturday, March 29, 2025, Curtis Atterberry passed away peacefully in Orangeburg, S.C., he was 87 years of age. 

Curtis and his family survived the aftereffects of the Great Depression, working alongside his brothers and sisters, picking cotton in Denmark, South Carolina. In the early mornings the boys would start on one end and the girls on the other end of the field. They would meet in the middle and share a lunch they’d buried in the ground to prevent pests from getting to it. The bond he shared with his siblings lasted throughout their lives.

As part of this nation’s Great Migration, Curtis moved to the Bronx, New York, where he joined the rest of his siblings in the late 1950s.  There, he met his first wife, Ms. Rosalind Atterberry, and later had their only son, John. Curtis was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on October 17, 1970. He and his family were active members of the Murdock Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Queens, New York.   Curtis was a respected member of the New York City Police Department, later retiring from service in 1988. After his retirement, he and his family returned to his hometown in Denmark, SC. There he remained faithfully married to Rosalind until she succumbed to cancer in 2009.

Many will remember Curtis as a faithful Witness, and he fully believed that the Bible was God’s Word. He felt the Bible was like a letter from a loving father to us. He was zealous in his ministry, always ready to share bible truths, sincerely believing it tells us how to enjoy a better way of life now and how to enjoy everlasting life on earth in the future. 

Curtis enjoyed spending time with others, fellowshiping, bowling, and playing gin-rummy and Scrabble. He was an avid runner and enjoyed golfing, having been a caddy as a youngster.

He is survived by his loving wife, Charlean, whom he married on August 3, 2012. Together, they continued in their ministry as members of the North Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Orangeburg, SC. She was his devoted companion and caregiver as his health faded. 

Also left in mourning is his son, John Curtis Atterberry, John’s wife, Tracy Atterberry, and their children Jasmin (her husband Tyler), Dylan, and Colin. His three stepsons, Jeremiah Brassfield and Jared Brassfield (his wife Minnie), and their children, Farrah, Elijah, Grayson, Brooke, Jaren Jr., Tyson, and, Josiah Brassfield (his wife Ashley) and their daughter Veronica. His brother Horace Atterberry (and wife Nancy), Sisters-in-laws, Mary Atterberry (wife of Fred Lee), Rebecca Atterberry (wife of Lloyd), and Tonia Elaine Lizzmore, and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by three sisters, Ruby Dell Kennedy, Claretha Bailey, and Joan Holly;  two brothers, Fred Lee Atterberry and Lloyd Atterberry.

Curtis was deeply cherished and admired for his unwavering faith, enthusiasm, warmth, and infectious zeal. His approachable nature and down-to-earth demeanor made him a beloved figure to all who knew him. His radiant smile and joyful laughter profoundly impacted those around him, spreading happiness wherever he went. Above all, he was a devoted family man, and his love for them will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

The family appreciates all the love and generosity shown during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers the family has set up this GoFundMe page on behalf of Curtis' widow, Charlean Atterberry