The Mississippi Link Newswire
Funeral arrangements have been set for Jackson State University’s longtime director of Choral Activities, Willenham Cortez Castilla, who died Feb. 28.
The funeral will take place 11 a.m. Friday, March 6, at Christ Temple Church of Christ Holiness, 845 N. Lamar Street, Jackson.
Visitation will be held from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 5, at Westhaven Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 3580 Robinson Road, Jackson.
Condolences may be sent to: Dr. Kathy Castilla and Family, 139 Inez Owens Dr., Jackson, MS, 39212.
Castilla was the brother of Reginald Castilla, who worked with the Upward Bound program at JSU, and Alveno Castilla, a member of the Jackson State University Development Foundation board of directors. Other siblings include JSU alums Dr. Abranese Castilla, M.D., and Vonzell Castilla, esq., who will deliver the eulogy.
Upon notification of Castilla’s death earlier this week, President Carolyn W. Meyers, said, “The Jackson State University family was blessed that he shared his talents here, bringing honor and distinction to our University and exceptional commitment and love to his students.”
Department of Liberal Arts Dean Mario Azevedo said, “This is a terrible loss. He was one of the best faculty members in the School of Liberal Arts. We will feel his absence. We extend our sympathy and prayers to the family of Mr. Castilla,” who worked at JSU for more than 20 years.
According to Department of Music Chair, Alfred Duckett, Professor Castilla was stricken shortly after his conducting an outstanding performance of the JSU Choir in concert in Natchez. He was rushed to the hospital where he passed surrounded by family, students, parents and other close associates.
“It is with a sense of deep sadness and great loss that we note the passing of our friend and colleague,” Duckett added.
Dowell Taylor, director of Marching Bands, worked with Castilla for more than a decade. He said Castilla was “an outstanding choral director and a true asset to the Department of Music. He will be sorely missed.”
Also, Phyllis Hale, an instructor of music and director of opera/musical theater workshop, reflected on Castilla’s contributions. She said he was “very supportive of my endeavors. He made sure students were funded for various conferences nationally. He was instrumental in continuing the annual choral festival, including one for clinicians. He assisted choirs in the community and high schools and was a great recruiter. He gave students international exposure, even taking many to Italy.”
