Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
Elder Curtis Lee Boykin, age 80, of Sanford, NC, entered eternal rest on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at his residence.
The Obituary
Curtis Boykin’s life began on July 21, 1944, in Kershaw, SC, to Rachel Boykin and Samuel Jameason.
Curtis learned early on the value of family and community. Having graduated from the WB Wicker School, class of 1962. Later in life, he went on to enroll in and graduate from the Shaw University Divinity School.
Curtis, in his younger years, or “Bubba”, as called by his close friends and family, was known as a dedicated family man. First, to his mother and his younger siblings before marrying Doris Jean and starting his own family. It was this family that led him to leave the job he had worked so hard to obtain as an over-the-road truck driver and start a career at Sanford Finishing, where he remained until he found his perfect position within the Lee County School System. Mr. Curtis, affectionately known by many students, was placed in a position where he could make a difference in our community through the youth.
Curtis had a deep love for music and was naturally musically gifted. He taught himself to play several instruments, including the tenor saxophone, flute, lead and bass guitar, and the harmonica. His musical talent was a gift from God, and he used it to praise Him.
Titus 2:7 reads as follows: “In everything set them an example by doing what is good". Curtis was never one to waiver on his beliefs, 'dance to your music', or do anything that, simply put, was not right. Curtis was a true example of a Christian, and he loved the Lord from his first introduction as a young man.
He married his love, Doris Jean Allen, in 1965, and shortly after, they joined Gethsemane Holiness Church, where he persevered tirelessly in various roles, including the finance committee, deacon board, and male chorus, until being called into the preaching ministry. Bishop J.G. Lowdermilk mentored and helped Rev. Boykin mature in the Lord. Under that mentorship, he was promoted to the rank of “Elder.” Elder Curtis Boykin helped guide the members at Mt. Sinai, Siler City. His impact on the community was profound, as he led with resilience, empathy, and integrity. Bishop Lowdermilk knew he could handle the assignment and decided to split his time between Mt. Sinai, Siler City, and Mt. Sinai's, Washington Avenue location, and he prevailed. Once becoming the full-time pastor at Mt. Sinai, Washington Ave, Elder Boykin decided to lead with unwavering faith, loyalty, and reliability, especially in the face of challenges or adversity- also known as steadfastness. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those he touched. Job well done, our good and faithful servant, take your rest.
Elder Boykin was preceded in death by his mother, Rachel Boykin; father, Samuel Jameson; two brothers, Clarence and Ricky Boykin; and one sister, Octavia Boykin Daily.
His precious memories and legacy will live on through his wife of sixty years, Doris J. Boykin, of the home; four children, Tony (Myra), Rodney (Donna), Erica, and Randy (Crystal); and his grandchildren. He was a very proud grandfather to Debbie, who was raised in his home, as well as to Tiffany, Antonio, Forante, Dawniell, KaShaun, Jamiek, Jaylen, Jazmine, and Rhayden. He also leaves five great-grandchildren; one brother, Victor (Kelly), two sisters, Nancy (Jimmy) and Albertina Buie. There are too many special friends to mention them all, but we know they will carry his memory in their hearts.
The family will be receiving visitors from Sunday June 01, 2025, thru Tuesday June 03, 2025, from 2pm-6pm at 442 Evergreen Lane, Sanford, NC 27330.
"We do not own copyrights to the background music."
Thank you for helping us protect the families and communities we serve.
Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home-Sanford, NC