Christopher C. Styles goes home

ST. PETERSBURG – St. Petersburg College’s first African-American Chair of the Department of Music, Christopher C. Styles, born December 25, 1936, departed his life on January 22, 2015, in his hometown of St. Petersburg.

Styles was a renowned musician and former band director who completed his musical training with a master’s degree from The Manhattan School of Music in New York City and received a bachelor’s degree in music from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical College (FAMU), June 2, 1958.

He is survived by his former wife, Marvalene Hughes, Ph.D. of California, his only surviving son, Jan Styles, three grandchildren, his only surviving sister, Gladys Styles Johnston, Ph.D., two brothers, John Styles and Nathaniel Styles and a host of friends, relatives and distinguished musicians from around the country.

The wake service will be held Fri., Jan. 30 at 7:30 pm at Lawson Funeral Home, 4535 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg.   Mr. Ben Lawson, owner and funeral director, is entrusted with the final arrangements.

The funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Sat., Jan. 31 at Bethel Community Baptist Church, 2901 54th Ave. S., St. Petersburg.  The Reverend Dr. Manuel Sykes is the officiant/eulogist.  Following the service a repast will be held at the church.