Obituary of Dr. Curtis J. Mustiful

Dr. Curtis James Mustiful was the first child born to the late David Mustiful and Jannie Ree Johnson Mustiful in Mansfield, LA on April 21, 1944. Curtis accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age at Springhill Baptist Church in Mansfield, LA. He was educated in Desoto Parish Public Schools and graduated valedictorian of his All Saints High School graduating class of 1962. He continued his education at Southern University earning a Bachelor of Science degree (1966). Curtis continued his passion for learning at Syracuse University obtaining a Master of Science (1970) and Doctorate of Philosophy (1972) in Educational Technology. Curtis was a member of the United States Air Force and continued to serve in the Army Reserve after relocating to Baton Rouge, LA. Upon returning to Baton Rouge, he became a member of Shiloh Baptist Church (Rev. Charles Smith) and later moved his membership to Shady Grove Baptist Church (Rev. Lionel Lee, Sr.). Education was his passion, teaching four years at Grambling State University and 40 years at Southern University (retiring in 2016). He also enjoyed Christian education and serving his church. He was a faithful Adult Sunday School teacher (until his health declined), former Chairmen of the Deacon Board, former Adult Vacation Bible School teacher (all at Shady Grove First Baptist Church) and also served as a former Trustee of First Israel Baptist Church in Belle Rose, LA. On August 9, 1969 Curtis married the love of his life Sally O. Larvadain. To this union two beautiful daughters were born: TaShawn L. Mustiful, MD (Zachary, LA) and Adrienne M. Mustiful, PhD (Baton Rouge, LA). Curtis was a faithful and devoted husband, father, brother and uncle. He enjoyed the quality time spent with family especially traveling and turned every vacation into an opportunity to teach his girls. Curtis leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 54 years, Sally, daughters, TaShawn and Adrienne, five sisters: Alice Horton (Dallas, TX), Shirley Mustiful (Mansfield, LA), Patricia James (Rosharon, TX), Glenda (Eddie) Thomas (Frierson, LA) and Monica (Mark) Washington (Dallas, TX), four brothers: Fred (Brenda) Mustiful (Stonewall, LA), Rogers (Thelma) Mustiful (Manvel, TX), Eddie Mustiful (Pineville, LA) and Barry (Sonja) Mustiful (Duluth, GA). Also mourning his lost are his in-laws: Johnnie Diggs (Cocoa, FL), Patricia Larvadain (Alexandria, LA), Russell (Beverly) Larvadain, Sr. (Bloomfield Hills, MI), Antoinette Burns (Titusville, FL), Joann (James) McKay (San Antonio, TX), Janice Larvadain (Baton Rouge, LA) and Emma (Kenneth) Hill (Westwego, LA). Forever remembering the legacy of Curtis James Mustiful are his nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and the many students he taught in his many years of dedicated service through education. Curtis was preceded in death by his father, David Mustiful, mother, Jannie Ree Mustiful, father-in-law Edward Larvadain, Sr., mother-in-law, Maxine H. Larvadain, two sisters-in-law: Barbara Diggs and Allison Mustiful, four brothers-in-law: Keith James, Dexter Burns, John Horton and Edward Larvadain, Jr., and one nephew George Burns.