Picture of our 2026 Winter Senior Spotlight. Wayne Curtis
Meet Wayne Eugene Curtis, a 94-year-old whose energy, creativity, and generosity prove that age is simply a number. Born in the shadow of the Great Depression and raised with a love of family, faith, and community, Wayne continues to light up the stage, volunteer his time, and inspire those around him.
A Lifelong Journey Rooted in Faith, Family…and Food?
Born: September 1931, Altadena, California
Grew up: Long Beach, California
Father: Andrew Steven, a salesman who navigated the Depression by shifting from wholesale hardware to door-to-door Fuller Brush sales
Mother: Idalene Scott, a Topeka, Kansas native who studied home economics and was known for her exceptional cooking
From a young age, Wayne helped his father by collecting orders during the week and delivering them on weekends. Church was more than a place of worship; it was a community where Wayne learned values, built friendships, and found purpose.
Thanks to his momma Idalene, food became one of Wayne’s love languages. He fondly recalls learning about “soul food” in the 1960s, when his church brought eight students from Hattiesburg, Mississippi to Southern California so they could pursue college dreams. One of those students stayed with Wayne’s family, creating a lasting memory of open doors, collard green, and grits. Wayne recalls his neighbor’s cooking tip, “always cook cornbread in a round skillet so the children don’t fight over the corners.”
A Chorus of Lifetimes: Music, Theater, and Service
Wayne’s life has been a chorus of enduring passions:
He remains an active member of his church choir, contributing his rich bass voice to the choir’s harmony.
At 80, he joined a community theater acting group, embracing a new creative outlet and proving that it’s never too late to try something new.
Now at 94, he is the lead in a readers theater group, bringing stories to life with warmth, humor, and a sense of wonder.
Wayne’s love of performance is matched by his love of service. He volunteers to transport seniors to medical appointments, embodying the spirit of community care in practical, life-changing ways.
A Life of Elevating Moments: Family, Challenges, and Hope
Wayne and his belated wife Jean, whom he met at a college orientation (thanks to an introduction from his brother), married in 1960. Together they raised three children, including one adopted son, who carried with him the echoes of trauma from difficult early experiences. Wayne’s devotion to his family has been a defining thread in his life. He speaks with quiet strength about the hardest moments; the challenges of adopting a toddler with a complex past, and the enduring love that carried the family through numerous difficulties. His tears during the interview reflect the depth of his empathy and commitment to family.
Jean’s warmth and energy also shaped Wayne’s story. She was a high school science teacher whose students affectionately nicknamed her “The Frog Lady” for hosting the frog dissection lab. The couple sang together in the church choir, a shared passion that continues in Wayne’s ongoing participation in the choir today.
Jean’s passing from cancer at age 55 was a profound sorrow, yet Wayne’s resilience and faith carried him forward. In 1993, he found love again with Edie Curtis, who became his partner and companion for years to come.
Words of Wisdom from Wayne
In candid moments, Wayne shared reflections that feel both timeless and deeply personal:
Regrets? “No, I don’t think so.”
Advice to his younger self: “I think if I was born 20 years later in life, I may have been diagnosed with ADHD, but alas that was not something that was considered in my youth. I’ve always had fantastic ideas that I could never quite seem to follow through on. I really wish that I could have stuck to learning an instrument. Maybe, I would’ve told myself to be more diligent, but I don’t know if it would have helped.”
The most important part of life: “Having a strong church family has been the most important part of my life – from education to support and meaningful friendships.”
Advice to the next generation: “Don’t overindulge in the fad of the day. Stay informed about the world and be part of the solution when problems arise.”
What he’ll miss most: “Family- both the ones you make and the ones you’re born with.”
Secret to longevity: “I’ve never smoked and I’ve never been drunk. I try to remain active, though I’ve never been an athlete.”
Why Wayne’s Story Inspires
Wayne’s life is a testament to the idea that growth does not end with a decade. He embraced new art forms at 80, now leads a readers theater group at 94, and continues to serve his community by helping seniors reach medical appointments. His faith, family, and service offer a blueprint for living with purpose:
- Dare to try something new at any age
- Let your passions evolve with you
- Invest in people—children, spouses, neighbors, and strangers in need
- Use your gifts to lift others
Closing Note
Wayne Curtis reminds us that youth is a mindset, not a measure of years. With a heart tuned to song, story, and service, he writes a living chapter about aging with grace, courage, and exuberant spirit. He shows us that a life well-loved—rooted in faith, family, and community—can grow more vibrant with each passing year…and so…We leave you with Wayne’s favorite quote by William Barkley, “There are two great days in a person’s life – the day we are born and the day we discover why.”