John P. Curlin
of Humboldt, TN
August 28, 1939 - April 7, 2025
John Paschal Curlin, our beloved ''Grand,'' died in Christ on April 7, 2025, from an apparent heart attack. We, his family, grieve his absence, yet our hearts are filled with gratitude and joy for the incredible blessing he was in our lives.
John was born on August 28, 1939, to James Howard and Valentine (''Val'') Paschal Curlin. His father passed away when John was just two years old. He grew up in Marion, Arkansas, and after graduating from the McCallie School in Chattanooga, he studied at Vanderbilt University and Southwestern (now Rhodes) College before completing both medical school and an obstetrics and gynecology residency at the University of Arkansas.
John practiced obstetrics and gynecology for 35 years鈥"first as a U.S. Navy officer stationed in Japan during the Vietnam War, and later at The Jackson Clinic. He attended the births of thousands of Jackson area children and, in the latter part of his career, specialized in a surgical procedure through which he helped women who had been sterilized regain their fertility.
Though he took his profession seriously, John's life was singularly devoted to his family and to knowing God and making Him known. In 1966, he married Elizabeth ''Leeba'' Andrews, daughter of the late Chubby and Margie Andrews of Memphis. Together they raised seven children whom John鈥"''Dad''鈥"was determined would ''not turn out to be worthless.'' With a vigilant eye for laziness, entitlement, and self-pity, he taught us to work hard, give thanks in adversity, and respond promptly to his instruction. Tirelessly, he labored to provide every opportunity for us to flourish, took us on unforgettable adventures around the world, and celebrated our successes, large and small.
John especially delighted in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who knew him simply as ''Grand.'' He prayed for them, challenged them, taught them, and blessed them. He crisscrossed the country鈥"and flew often to Panama鈥"to spend time with them.
Despite a full family life, Dad was a spiritual father and mentor to many outside his household. When any of his ''children'' strayed, we could count on his direct, candid rebukes鈥"words that cut like a surgeon's knife, but always with the intent to heal. He was our first call for counsel, a steady source of practical help, and a gracious encourager in our moments of brokenness.
If there was one message John lived and proclaimed, it was this: that Jesus鈥"and only Jesus鈥"offers the life our hearts long for. After years of spiritual wandering in his youth, John surrendered his life to Christ at age 24 and never looked back. From that moment until his death, he relentlessly pursued what he believed God was calling him to do. We often joked that Dad was ''not always right, but never in doubt.'' He was a man of faith in action. He founded Bible studies, helped launch Jackson Bible Fellowship, which became Evangelical Community Church, and served for many years as an elder, teacher, and mentor. He taught parenting, wrote a book on grandparenting, and gave generously to efforts to share the Gospel across the globe.
In 2002 John experienced profound personal healing through a listening prayer ministry, and he resolved to help others experience the same. Over the subsequent years, he facilitated thousands of hours of prayer with people seeking freedom from patterns of fear, shame, bitterness, and other burdens, helping them listen for God's voice, and seeing many experience the healing and freedom that Jesus brings. Along the way, those who loved him watched John grow in mercy, gentleness, and patience. He came to know God as the Prodigal Father (Luke 15:11鈥"32)鈥"eager to welcome us home and to set us free. Indeed, Dad became a living witness of the Father's love, bringing hope and healing wherever he went.
Now, we who loved him commend John鈥"Dad, Grand鈥"to the Father he loved and taught us to know, the One who loved us first and showed that love through Jesus.
John is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jim. He is survived by his wife Leeba, their seven children and spouses, thirty-one grandchildren and spouses, and ten great-grandchildren (with two more on the way):
路 David and Mia Curlin: Paschal, Masada and Robby Schwartz, Jerusha, Leeba
路 Marvi and Dan Gunn: Tanner and Alyse (Elijah, Simeon, and Lydia), Price and Abby (Margie, Amy), Elle and Will Burdett (Gunnar, Judah), John David and Anna, Asher
路 Micah and Dan Lindquist: Daniel and Jordan (Levi, Ella Claire), Josiah and fianc茅 Anna, Emme and Philip Nichols (Micah Anne), Sophie and McNeill Stout, Stephen
路 Farr and Kimberly Curlin: David, Andrew, Caroline, Gigi
路 Howard and Michelle Curlin: Phin, Lars, Katie Anne, Field, Jude, JR
路 John Reid and Laura Curlin: Reid, Sarah Mia, Lolly
路 Caleb and Betsy Curlin: Margo, Micah, Lucy, Josie
He is also survived by beloved sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and the many dear women and men to whom he was a surrogate father, mentor, and friend.
A funeral service will be held at Cornerstone Community Church (730 Pipkin Road, Jackson, see church's YouTube channel for livestream) on Saturday, April 12, with visitation beginning at 9 a.m. and the service at 11 a.m. That afternoon at 3 p.m., John will be laid to rest in a family plot at Elmwood Cemetery in Memphis (824 S. Dudley St.). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Voice of the Martyrs.
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Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home
201 North Pine Street
West Memphis, AR 72303
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com