Joseph Mason Curtis, 75, of Dameron, MD died June 9, 2009 at his residence. He was born on July 9, 1933 in Medleys Neck, MD to the late John Henry and Helen Mason Curtis.

Mason was one of eleven children, married, a long and faithful member of Zion United Methodist Church, a devout Christian, and for 35 years, a member of a touring gospel choir known as the Zion Methodist Men. He received his education from the Public School System of St. Mary's County.

Though modest about his achievements, Mason and his late wife Betty Hawkins Curtis, his business partner, founded one of the most successful businesses in Lexington Park, MD known as Curtis Tire Center in the early 60s. Half a century later, having passed the running of Curtis Tire to his son Xavier, Mason is the owner of three apartment buildings and his entrepreneurial ambitions served as an inspiration to others. Mason, also was a life long member of the Minority Alliance Association. When asked concerning his success, he would say; "You have to have faith, without it you don't have much of nothing."

Mason met and married Carolyn Cutchember on June 15, 1994. They enjoyed traveling and spending quality time together. Every year, Carolyn and Mason lovingly provided Christmas and Easter gifts, toys and candy for the all of the children and some adults of Zion Methodist Church.

Mason leaves fond memories in the hearts of his loving wife of 14 years, Carolyn, his daughter Betty Pandora Curtis-Franks (Bruce Sr.), his sons: Xavier Curtis (Phyllis) and Herman Hawkins Sr.; his grandchildren: Kendra & Latisha Curtis, Herman Hawkins Jr, (Gail ), Tamika Langley-Tremaligo (Greg), Lamont Spicer & Bruce Franks Jr.; great grandchildren: Brandon, Lakeita & T'Keya Spicer, Gabriel , Hezekian & Herman Hawkins lll, Rocque & Reece Tremaligo. His stepchildren:Terry Cutchember, Timothy Chase(Marcia) , Ricky & Billy Dyson & Cassandra Dyson (Roy); step grandchildren : Wayne, Vonn, Ricky Jr., Keirra, April, Amber, Shamera, Roshaundra, Jolisa, Patrice, Paula, Demetrius, Sherice, Shawnese, Kenyetta, Kerice & Clever, Aunts: Agnes Blackstone and Catherine Young; his siblings, Vincent Curtis (Joyce), Mary Holley (Louis), Helen Wilson, Alice Allen, Frances Diggs (James), Margaret Rufus, Mary Rochester (William) and John Calvert Curtis, brothers-in-law:Melvin Cutchember, Steve, Henry & Gerald Hawkins & Dexter Nelson, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Other then his parents and late wife, Mason was predeceased by two brothers: John Henry Jr. & Paul Curtis.

Family will receive friends for Mason's Life Celebration on Friday, June 12, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Zion United Methodist Church, 21291 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park, MD 20653. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at Zion United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD.

Serving as pallbearers will be Teddy Crafton, Frank Dove, Jr., Timothy Case, Billy Dyson, Ricky Dyson, and Lawrence Hatton.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.