Mrs. Corrie Courtney's Obituary
CORRIE LEE COURTNEY
A PHENOMENAL WOMAN DEDICATED TO HER COMMUNITY
On March 20, 1937, Corrie Lee Jones made her entrance into the world as the 7th child of Eula Bell Jones and Fred Jones in Pensacola, Florida. Corrie was the 7th child of 9 children as well as the 7th girl (7 being a sign of completion). Corrie was primarily raised by her mother’s sister, Annie Mae Crawford who was an entrepreneur and whom she regarded as a surrogate mother who taught her to put God in all things, the intricacies of etiquette, being a lady as well as being a servant leader.
Corrie was an inquisitive child who attended public school and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School; she was the only sibling in her family who later attended college where she enrolled at Tennessee State University (Nashville); she later graduated from Troy State University (Troy, Alabama) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science. Because of her deep seeded faith, she also attended Baptist Theological Seminary in Nashville, Tennessee, where she graduated and served as the class president.
Corrie married her first husband, Jimmie Williams and gave birth to their first child, Andrea Reneé; she later married Charles Courtney and had another daughter, Kimberly Ann. She later adopted her son, Maurice. She was also a “surrogate mother” to other youth in the community who cherished her counsel and friendship. Corrie was a long-term substitute teacher at Booker T. Washington High, afterwards, she was the Parents/Teacher Volunteer Coordinator for Head Start. She was also a long-term Civil Service employee at Pensacola Naval Air Station, where she eventually retired.
Corrie, or “Ms. C.” as she was often called, was multi-talented and was the epitome of “dress for success” as she continually wore her high heels, tailored suits, red lipstick and manicured nails while being the “fashion plate” of her community. Ms. C was also a talented singer as a faithful member in her church choir at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church. Her musical talent also allowed her to perform with well-known gospel artist Clara Ward & the Ward Singers.
Ms. C. was a woman of great faith and was actively involved in her community as well as her church. She faithfully served in several capacities including: member of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW); Sunday School teacher; President of the church choir; served in her church Missions Ministry and championed community outreach as she helped many in the community. She was a delegate with the Florida General Baptist Convention, chaired the Men & Women’s Day events, and the church anniversaries. One of her favorite projects was her historic AIDS outreach ministry in the 1980s where she educated older adults about screening and testing; and she was a faithful Bible study instructor at several locations including The Bible College, Magnolia Nursing Home and Cobb Community Center. She received numerous awards and commendations for her outreach ministries. In 1976 during the Centennial year celebration, she was proclaimed “Woman of the Year” for her outstanding community service.
In 2019, after several visits to Houston, Texas, Ms. C. relocated and resided with her daughter Reneé and joined Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in 2022. She had a fun-filled spirit and was quick witted with her unique sense of humor. She enjoyed reading her bible, attending the Gathering at Trinity East UMC, along with listening to music and catching up on the daily news while watching CNN.
Ms. C. made her earthly transition on August 1, 2024, as she joins her parents, Eula & Fred Jones; her eight siblings, her husband Charles Courtney; her daughter Kimberly; and her beloved aunt, Annie Mae Crawford.
She is survived by her beloved daughter, Andrea Reneé Logans; her son Maurice Robinson; her extended family, LaUntrice and Leo Starke, Raymond and Leona Sparks (Chrissy), Erika and Anthony Jones; nieces and nephews; and a host of other friends. Her memory, as a “phenomenal” and Godly woman, will forever be cherished by those who were touched by her warmth and her unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.
For livestream access to her service on Friday, August 16th at 11 am (CT) in Houston, TX: https://wheelerbc.org/live-streaming
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