Westhaven Memorial Funeral Home

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 supporti...

Neal-Vincent, Ph.D.Contributing WriterFirst time attendant Dorothy Moore of Progressive M. B. Church was stunned to be awarded a microwave. Photo by Janice K. Neal-VincentPushing the theme “We’ve Come This Far by Faith,” the staff of Westhaven Memorial Funeral Home, Inc. ended the year with reverence to God and goodwill during their annual Christmas fellowship.The event was held at 6 p.m. Dec. 12 at Black’s Chapel M. B. Church in Jackson. Those who arrived at 5:30 p.m. and later found a loaded parking lot, a loaded lawn, and a loaded sanctuary. Pews were occupied to maximum capacity from the balcony to the choir loft to the floor.Community leader Frank Bluntson was the evening’s master of ceremony. Psalm 100 was read and prayer was given by the Rev. James Shoulders, pastor of Rising Sun M.B. Church. Joy, love, and thanksgiving were pegged as essential elements of praise within the scripture and prayer.Markus Bell offered a hearty welcome and occasion and words of encouragement were offered by the Rev. John A. Wicks, pastor of Mount Nebo M. B. Church. A gospel mix of carols and other songs were passionately song by Westhaven Memorial Choir. Songs included Norman Hutchins’ “Emanuel,” Doc McKenzie’s “I’ll be Alright After While,” Ben Taylor’s “God has Been So Good to Me” and Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.”Floyd Knight Jr.’s familiar African-American chant, “I Know I’m a Child of God,” was embraced by the crowd prior to Wicks’ message. After thanking God for His “awesome presence and amazing power” and thanking Him for the owners of WMFH, Wicks diverted to Luke 2:46. He pinpointed the night before Christmas when “the world was in bad shape and desperately needed a Messiah.” The minister firmly said to the audience, “You’ve come expecting gifts, but Jesus Christ is the greatest gift.”Bent on the need to love everybody, including “people who don’t look like us” was the message’s highpoint. Wicks emphasized John 15:13: “Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friend.” H...