Curly Mae Range was born on March 31, 1931 in Macon, Georgia to the late Willie and Ella Mitchell. Curly was the youngest of their two daughters.
Curly was baptized at an early age at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Macon, Georgia. She was an active member, singing in the senior choir. She attended and graduated from Hudson High School.
Curly’s service to her community began in the late 1950’s as she served as the Secretary for the NAACP in Macon, Georgia. She was the first black woman to be hired in the Piggly Wiggly food store chain.
In 1966 she relocated to Cleveland, Ohio and worked at Cleveland Trust Bank for over 15 years.
As a resident of Ward 10 since 1972, Curly volunteered at the Collinwood Community Services Center and was eventually hired to serve as Community Organizer for 14 years. In that role she helped organize the street club in her community, the annual Bike-A-Thon Parade and the annual Collinwood Cultural Feast.
Curly was known to have a beautiful garden of flowers, especially roses.
Curly married David C. Range on June 3, 1974. He preceded her in death.
She leaves to cherish her memory, daughter, Phyllis J. Longino, grand-daugther, Curly M. Foster (Andre’), great grand-daughter, Capri C. Foster of San Tan Valley, Arizona; sister, Gladys Alexander; nephew, Ronnie Williams Sr., niece Kathryn Washington; nephews, Harvey Alexander (Diane) and Curtis Alexander (Jackie). Special sons David C. Range Jr., Douglas Range (Laura), of Cleveland, Ohio and extended Range family, along with a host of family and friends.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 15 at 1:00 p.m. at San Tan Mountain View Funeral Home, 21809 S. Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek, AZ 85142.