Obituary

Rev. Curtis Moss, Jr.

June 16, 1950 — April 26, 2026

On Saturday, April 26, 2026 Rev. Curtis Moss, Jr. was granted eternal rest and peace by His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was surrounded by family during his peaceful transition to his Heavenly home. II Corinthians 5:8, says to be absent from the body, is to be present with The Lord, this gives us condolences, knowing that he has transcended from his earthly struggles to his new address in Heaven. II Timothy” I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the Faith”.

Rev Curtis Moss, Jr., a native of Bogalusa, La, was born June 16, 1950 to the late Curtis Moss, Sr. and Gladys P. Moss. Rev. Moss was a 1968 graduate of The Central Memorial High School. He furthered his education by attending Southern University of Baton Rouge, LA, but then decided to work along beside his father in 1970 at Crown Zellerbach, which would later be called Gaylord Container mill. He was a Service Specialist at that time. He then retired after 37 years of service as Supervisor of his department.

As a child and into his adult years, he was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church of Bogalusa, La., under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Aaron J. Thompson. God began to nudge at him for more, so he then began his deaconship under Rev. Thompson. God wanted more! After a traumatic incident in 1981, a promise was made to God, Rev. Moss followed the calling and the direct promise he made to God. This led him to become the founding and only Pastor of The First Thessalonians Baptist Church in 1986. He pursued his Bachelor in Theology Degree from Union Baptist Theological Seminary in New Orleans, in May 1987. Throughout his years of service he had various mentors, which included Rev. Dr. Tom Bailey, Jr., which whom he also thought of as a “Father like presence,” Rev. Dr. Aaron Thompson, Rev. Edmund Prevost Sr., Bishop Paul S. Morton and Dr. Leroy J. Thompsom, Sr.

Rev. Moss, was a 2010 graduate of the Ever Increasing Word Training Center, which was founded by Dr. Leroy Thompson, Jr. He was also the last living spiritual advisor of the Voices of Joy Interdenominational Choir, which was founded in 1991, under the leadership of Brother Reginald Stallings.

During his tenure as Pastor, he ignited the term “Come as you are”. All were welcomed under his ministry. He was stern yet relatable, spiritual yet non-judging, knowledgable yet understanding for others to comprehend. Rev. Moss never sugar coated God’s Words. He not only preached it, but he practiced it as well. He provided counsel, advice, guidance and most of all love. His vision later became Bible based, with a Word of Faith background and a nondenomiational foundation. He also created the “Boys to Men”guide to help direct the youth and young men of the church. He was also heavy on the church members doing evangelistic work throughout the community. Lastly, our FTWC Drill Team in which made him so proud and gleaming with joy everytime the youth performed.

Rev . Curtis Moss, Jr. was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, cousin amd friend. He was a prestigious man of God; man of Faith and integrity; man of valor, trust, honor respect, strength, compassion, and morals, These attributes were only a few of many. He lived a life that inspired everyone he came in contact with. He had a light that shined in every room he entered. His infectious smile followed him everywhere he went. He loved laughter, he loved to dance, being the jokester, “pulling your leg”, and most definitely the life of any event, family gathering or any outing. He has definitely made a mark on everyone’s life that can never be erased. May the life he lived speak for him!

On June 16, 1994, amongst family and friends, Curtis Moss Jr. and Evelyn Mangrum united in matrimony under the covenant of God. Even though his sweet beautiful wife preceded him in death, they had 45 amazing years together. They affectionately referred to each other as two unique names and anyone who knows them knows he was her “Blackie”, and she was his “Brown Sugar”. When you seen one, you seen the other. they definitely became one the way God intended. During the beginning of his health decline, Pastor Hart was not only his cousin, but he also became his spiritual leader, confidant and later became his Pastor on April 11, 2024, along with his wife at their bedside in their home.

He leaves to cherish his life long memories of his life and legacy to his children, Derek (Janel) Moss, Carl (Dominique) Moss, Judonya (Romel) Moss-Harris, Shawanna (Ronald) Moss-Wilson, Curtis (Chrishay) Moss III and Christina Moss; One Sister, Shanda (Alford) Hines; his Grand children, CarDeja, Passion, K. J., Carlyn, Carlia, Joshua, Jevianna, Ja’Kirstan, Jayla, Shamar, Desean, Kamaya, Iliyah, Curtis, Ja’Kaelyn, Ja’Kyla, Christopher, Caleb, Ravin, Rasheed, Amanda, Romerro, Derek, and 20 great-grand children; Mother-in-law, Maude Mangrum; two aunts, Joyce Preston, and Barbara Preston; and a host of relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by His wife, Evelyn L. Moss; his parents, Curtis Moss, Sr. and Gladys Preston Moss; His sister, Cynthia (Larry) Moss-Brown; a grand-daughter, Ja’Kelsie Pigott; a Great Grand-daughter, Ariah Mingo, Paternal Aunts and Uncles: Leslie (Estelle) Moss, Mary Francis (M.C.) Moss-Brister, Lonza (R.T.) Moss-Brister, Fletcher (Ruby Nell) Moss, Henrietta (Walter) Moss-Jackson; his Maternal Aunts and Uncles, Willie James (Jean) Preston, Ophelia (T. J.) Preston-Gatlin, Warren Preston, Emma Lou (Leon) Preston-Moses and Oliver Preston.

~ It Is Finished...Job Well Done. God’s Humble and Faithfull Servant~

A visitation will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026 from 2:00PM – 5:00PM at Crain and Sons Funeral Home. Followed by a visitation at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church from 6:00PM – 7:00PM.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 1:00PM at Mt Carmel Baptist Church with Rev. Douglas Hart – Pastor Officiating. 

Crain and Sons Funeral Home – Bogalusa are in charge of arrangements.