Alda Edwina Courtney's Obituary
Edwina Worsham Courtney, dearly loved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, was born December 18, 1921 in Boyce, LA, and passed away on May 29, 2010, at Beauregard Memorial Hospital in DeRidder, LA. Edwina was predeceased by her parents, Alvin and Margaret Worsham, her sister, Ione Worsham Jones, her son-in-law, James H. Bales, and her niece, Susan Jones Smith. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, John Courtney of DeRidder; two daughters, Angel Courtney Bales, Houston, TX; and Tamara Courtney Biggerstaff, her husband, Lt. Colonel Thomas W. Biggerstaff, of Fayetteville, NC.; four grandchildren, Andrea Bales Williams, her husband, James Williams, College Station, TX; Anthony Bales, Houston, TX; Christopher Biggerstaff, Adam Biggerstaff, Fayetteville,NC; four great-grandchildren, Caitlin, Makenna, Zachary and Brandon Williams, College Station, TX; her “adopted” daughter, Dr. W. Lou Shields, Houston, TX; her sister-in-law, Doris Parish, Greensburg, LA; her brother-in-law, Carl Courtney, Baton Rouge, LA.; and several nieces and nephews. Also left to mourn her passing are dear friends, Elaine and Ardis Alston, and Bob and Dottie McGowen. The family would like to express appreciation to Dr.Mahesh Pandya and Dr. Robin Yue, who continually gave of their expertise and compassion. In addition, Edwina’s family is deeply indebted to Diane Moore, who tenderly took care, and to Shirley and Kenneth Moore, both of whom loved Edwina as if she were their own mother and showered her with love.
Edwina graduated Fair Park High School, in Shreveport, LA; attended Dodd College, Shreveport, LA, and graduated Louisiana Tech University with a degree in education. After teaching for a few years, Edwina, who was a woman ahead of her time, decided to go into social work. Joining the Office of Family Security and Human Development, October, 1950, in Mansfield, LA, Edwina began a career that spanned 40+ years, with positions in Leesville, LA, and DeRidder, LA, where she retired as Administrator for Beauregard Parish. While in the Beauregard Parish office, Edwina was instrumental in setting up the Mental Health Clinic and many Christmases, made certain that less fortunate children received gifts to make the Christmas holiday a merry one. A long time, active member of First United Methodist Church, Edwina set an example of Christian love and care for all her family and instilled in each member the responsibility of giving to his/her community in the name of Christ. Edwina demonstrated this in her own life in many ways; however, her work with the Pink Ladies’ Auxiliary at Beauregard Hospital was at the top of her priority list. She served as President for six terms having accumulated a total of 8,683 hours of volunteer time. In addition, Edwina began the auxiliary newsletter, In The Pink, and was editor for 20 years. Nominated by the Auxiliary as Woman of the Year in 1992, and was recognized by the DeRidder Business and Professional Women’s Organization. Edwina was extremely proud of the excellent assistance these ladies gave, and continue to give, to the community.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 2, 2010, at Labby Memorial Funeral home from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Services will be held on Thursday, June 3, 2010, at the First United Methodist Church in DeRidder, at 2:00 PM officiated by The Reverend Mike McLaurin and The Reverend James Glass. Honored to be pallbearers are: Anthony Bales, James Williams, Lt. Colonel Thomas W. Biggerstaff, Christopher Biggerstaff, Adam Biggerstaff, Herbert Courtney, Jr., Ardis Alston and Lt. Colonel (ret.) Robert McGowen, Serving as Honorary Pallbearers are: Frank Hensley, Bubba Smith, Hayward Steele, Gordon Jenkins, Kenneth Moore, and Ron Roberts. Burial will follow in Beauregard Cemetery in DeRidder under the direction of Labby Memorial Funeral Home in DeRidder.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances be directed to First United Methodist Church, The Pink Ladies Auxiliary of Beauregard Memorial Hospital, or the charity of your choice.
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