Curniest Berkley Rossum

In Loving Memory of
Curniest Berkley Rossum
Curniest was born in Rusk County in Kilgore, Texas on December 19, 1932 to the parentage of James Berkley and Lula Templeton. She went home to the Lord on February 1, 2021 at 88 years old in Brighton, Colorado. She moved to Colorado in 2018.
Mrs. Curniest Rossum was eulogized by her family in Denver, Colorado on Thursday, February 4, 2021. On February 6 at 9:00-10:30am a viewing will be held at Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore. An 11:00am graveside service will be held at New Hope Baptist Cemetery in Kilgore, Texas in her honor.
Joining New Hope Baptist Church at an early age, she was a member of the Women’s Missionary Group for many years. Her love, belief, and trust in God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit never wavered.
After attending grade school in the New Hope Public School District, she attended Fredonia High School and graduated in 1950. Her spelling skills were remarkable. And a couple of weeks before her passing, the last word she spelled out loud was B.I.B.L.E., and she said to read it. She enjoyed playing on the high school basketball team, wherein she was an outstanding player. However, she did not like wearing basketball shorts - so the coach let her play in her blue jeans.
On January 6, 1952, she married Willie Luther Rossum, II and they remained married until his passing on April 9, 1982. There were ten children born in this union, and three children preceded her in death - a stillbirth son; a daughter, Willie Jean Jones; and one son, Charles Edward Rossum. She was married for 30 years to Willie Luther, and she was a God-fearing widow for 40 years.
Curniest was a healthcare aide for a physician and a chef for many years. She will be remembered for her baking skills, enjoyment of traveling, and spending unforgettable-good times with her family. She is preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, Charles Pullens, Milton Pullens, Elbert Richardson, Franklin Hentrel, Maurice Huff; and two sisters Willie Ester, Daniels, and Barbara Jean Bryant.
Curniest leaves her memory to be cherished by her sons, Floyd Rossum and Willie Rossum, III in Texas; five daughters and sons-in-law, Loretta Castille; Shelia and Ray Mauldin; Deirdre and Dwight Clemons; Canary and Salah Gabir all in Colorado; and Kathy and Alan Shankle in Texas. She has twenty-two grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.