Funeral Information
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Date: 11-11-2023
Time: 12:00 PM
Time: 12:00 PM
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Obituary
Willie Ruth Crowell Courtney was born October 24, 1942, in Ocala, Florida, and reared under the lineage of Deacon William and Deaconess Ruth Crowell. She was what many describe as “laid back,” but those who really knew her will quickly interject that, “she was very observant and knowledgeable of her surroundings.”
Spiritual Beginning
Elder Courtney received the Baptism of Holy Ghost at the age of ten at The House of God Church in Ocala, Florida, under the tutelage of the late Bishop W. L. Nelson. Through her teenage years, she served as the Sunday School Secretary and a Sunday School teacher of the Junior Class. In her adult years, she relocated to Miami, Florida, and joined The House of God Church under the leadership of the late Elder Minnie L. Brady and served as a Reverend for 16 years. Hearing the call of God to further her evangelistic efforts, she co-founded The Way, The Truth, The Life Church of Praise with the late Bishop Iver L. Baldwin, where she served as the Assistant Pastor for 16 years. In 2002, the church suffered a tragic loss, when the late Bishop Iver L. Baldwin was called from labor to reward. Elder Courtney was then installed as Pastor and Overseer by Elder R. Harris. In late November of 2021, the Spirit of the Lord began to speak instructing her to, “return to her roots of The House of God Church,” which she quickly obeyed. After having multiple conversations with her long-time friend, Bishop Charlene M. Jamison, Elder Ruth Courtney reconnected with The House of God Church under the pastorate of State Elder Victor Carter in Brownsville, Florida.
Elder Courtney graduated from Howard High School in Ocala, Florida, and attended institutions of higher learning. Continuing to operate in her gifts to help others, she served on the Alachua County Police Force for three years. Elder Courtney stated, “I had planned to become a detective during that period of my life, but when you decide to serve the Lord, you never know what he is going to tell you to do. If you are truly sold out to him, when He says go, you must go.”
Elder Courtney loved to praise the Lord, for she had a deep connection with the Holy Ghost to help lead and guide her through all of her decision making. Her vast knowledge of the Word of God cultivated her spiritual theme, “A mind to serve Him and a heart to love Him.” It should be noted that through many dangers, toils, and snares, Elder Courtney was an over twenty-year cancer survivor. It is written, “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Hebrews 6:10).
Elder Courtney again suffered a great loss when her late husband, John Courtney, passed in 2004.
Her legacy shall forever be remembered through her biological mother, Florence “Sug” Taylor, who preceded her in death; two children, son, Trent Crowell (Evelyn) of Miami, FL, and daughter, Julia Lenita Rolle (Roy) of Ocala, FL; seven grandchildren, Trenquilla, Sirkeitha, Demetrese Sr. (Tiffany), Kaysie, Roy IV, Russell, and Trent, who preceded her in death; fourteen great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; a special love for “her family” members, Diane Linton, Doris White, Justin Williams, Donte White, Beverly Mosby; and a host of nieces, nephews, and those who hold her memory dear.
Spiritual Beginning
Elder Courtney received the Baptism of Holy Ghost at the age of ten at The House of God Church in Ocala, Florida, under the tutelage of the late Bishop W. L. Nelson. Through her teenage years, she served as the Sunday School Secretary and a Sunday School teacher of the Junior Class. In her adult years, she relocated to Miami, Florida, and joined The House of God Church under the leadership of the late Elder Minnie L. Brady and served as a Reverend for 16 years. Hearing the call of God to further her evangelistic efforts, she co-founded The Way, The Truth, The Life Church of Praise with the late Bishop Iver L. Baldwin, where she served as the Assistant Pastor for 16 years. In 2002, the church suffered a tragic loss, when the late Bishop Iver L. Baldwin was called from labor to reward. Elder Courtney was then installed as Pastor and Overseer by Elder R. Harris. In late November of 2021, the Spirit of the Lord began to speak instructing her to, “return to her roots of The House of God Church,” which she quickly obeyed. After having multiple conversations with her long-time friend, Bishop Charlene M. Jamison, Elder Ruth Courtney reconnected with The House of God Church under the pastorate of State Elder Victor Carter in Brownsville, Florida.
Elder Courtney graduated from Howard High School in Ocala, Florida, and attended institutions of higher learning. Continuing to operate in her gifts to help others, she served on the Alachua County Police Force for three years. Elder Courtney stated, “I had planned to become a detective during that period of my life, but when you decide to serve the Lord, you never know what he is going to tell you to do. If you are truly sold out to him, when He says go, you must go.”
Elder Courtney loved to praise the Lord, for she had a deep connection with the Holy Ghost to help lead and guide her through all of her decision making. Her vast knowledge of the Word of God cultivated her spiritual theme, “A mind to serve Him and a heart to love Him.” It should be noted that through many dangers, toils, and snares, Elder Courtney was an over twenty-year cancer survivor. It is written, “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Hebrews 6:10).
Elder Courtney again suffered a great loss when her late husband, John Courtney, passed in 2004.
Her legacy shall forever be remembered through her biological mother, Florence “Sug” Taylor, who preceded her in death; two children, son, Trent Crowell (Evelyn) of Miami, FL, and daughter, Julia Lenita Rolle (Roy) of Ocala, FL; seven grandchildren, Trenquilla, Sirkeitha, Demetrese Sr. (Tiffany), Kaysie, Roy IV, Russell, and Trent, who preceded her in death; fourteen great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; a special love for “her family” members, Diane Linton, Doris White, Justin Williams, Donte White, Beverly Mosby; and a host of nieces, nephews, and those who hold her memory dear.