THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, December 17, 1995 TAG: 9512170009
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B7 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: ETTRICK LENGTH: Short : 49 lines
Professor Emerita, Dr. Elsie Curl Colson, of the 3400 block of South St., died Dec. 14, 1995, in Virginia Beach.
She was born in Charles City County, Va. and was the only daughter of the late Rev. Wesley P. Curl and the late Mrs. Annie Curtis Curl Jones. She was the widow of Dr. Cortlandt M. Colson. Dr. Colson held an A.B. degree from Virginia State College; M.A. from the University of Michigan; and Ed.D. from Pennsylvania State University. She did post-doctoral study at Temple University in the Study Abroad program. She traveled in more than 10 countries throughout Europe.
She served as Professor of Education at Virginia State University for several years. Prior to that, she was teacher of dramatics and supervising instructor in social sciences and English in the public schools of Charlottesville, Va. She was named Professor Emerita by Virginia State in 1985. She held active membership in several professional and civic organizations, some with special honors. She received a Certificate of Merit from Virginia State in 1985; Woman of the Year, Gillfield Baptist Church, 1988; Service Award, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, 1982; Service Award, Virginia State Federal Credit Union; and service recognition, VSU Alumni Association. She was a member of Pi Lambda Theta and Kappa Delta Pi honor societies, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She was a founder of the NAACP Charlottesville Chapter; she was active in Gillfield Baptist Church, where she was a member, and participant of seminars sponsored by American Baptist Churches, USA.
She was predeceased by brothers, Langston, Robert, and Paige. Dr. Colson is survived by one brother, Charles Hugo Curl Sr. of Virginia Beach; stepson, Dr. William Colson; stepdaughter, Mrs. Jeanne C. Baker; two nephews, Langston W. Curl and Charles H. Curl Jr.; a niece, Mrs. Corinne C. Gaillard; two sisters-in-law, Dr. Thelma D. Curl and Mrs. Lois B. Curl; great-nieces and great-nephews; and other endeared family members and friends.
Funeral services will be held at Gillfield Baptist Church in Petersburg, Va., by the Rev. Grady Powell at 11 a.m. Tuesday. A memorial service conducted by AKA will be held at 10:30 a.m. Viewing will begin at 10 a.m. Family and friends will assemble at the church. Interment will be at the cemetery of Elam Baptist Church in Charles City, Ruthville, Va. Hale Funeral Home, Norfolk, is in charge of the arrangements. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY by CNB