Missouri Lee Crawford Courtney

Missouri Lee Crawford Courtney: A Legacy of Love, Faith, and Compassion

Missouri Lee Crawford Courtney, a beloved mother, grandmother, and faithful servant of God, passed away peacefully at the Park Bend Rehabilitation Center in Burleson, Texas, on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at the age of 103. She had lived a life filled with love, kindness, and unshakable faith and left behind a legacy that would be cherished by all who knew her. Missouri was born on April 11, 1921, in Palestine, Texas, the daughter of Nelsie Anderson Crawford and Charlie Crawford. She graduated from Green Bay High School in Tucker, Texas, Anderson County, in 1938. Known for her gentle spirit and kind heart, Missouri’s early years laid the foundation for the warmth and compassion that defined her entire life. In her younger years, Missouri married Sidney Courtney of Shreveport, Louisiana, to whom they later divorced. She lovingly raised three children: Ray, Elsie and Clarice, as a strong single parent and disciplinarian. As children and growing into adulthood, her children always showed respect by addressing her and replying to her with “Yes Maam” and “No Maam”.

Missouri remained a devoted and loving mother, guiding her children with a nurturing hand and abundant love. Her dedication to her family was unwavering, and she was a constant source of strength and support for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. During the ‘60’s, Missouri was actively involved in marches for women’s voting rights, minimum wage and discrimination focused on equal rights for those of color. Missouri pursued a career in nursing starting in 1968. She graduated from John Peter Smith Hospital School of Vocational Nursing in Fort Worth, Texas. She spent many years caring for others as a Licensed Vocational Nurse, working at John Peter Smith Hospital and the Fort Worth State School, and later providing private duty nursing services.

Her profession was not just a job; it was her calling, and she touched countless lives with her kindness, compassion, and expertise. She retired at the age of 65, but her caring heart never stopped giving. Her unwavering faith in God was a cornerstone of her life. As a long-time and devoted member of Carter Metropolitan CME Church in Fort Worth, Texas, Missouri, she lived as an example of a good Christian woman. She was a woman of deep prayer, a servant to her community, and a constant beacon of light to all who knew her. Her gentle spirit and passion for life made her a cherished friend and confidante to many. She always instilled in her family the importance of financial security, voting and most importantly, never giving up. Her favorite quote was “Keep your hand in the Master’s hand” – the Lord carried her for 103 years.

Missouri was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Nelsie Crawford; her sister, Charlie Mae Johnson; her beloved son, Colonel Ray Allen Courtney, Sr.; and three of her grandchildren: Anthony Todd Manning, Nicole Hernandez Courtney, and Ray Allen Courtney Jr. She also joins a host of other loved ones in eternal rest.

Missouri leaves behind a beautiful family of children, Elsie Marie Manning and Clarice Courtney White Reeves, Daughter-in-Law Carmen Hernandez Courtney, Grandchildren Darlene Quincy, Kevin Manning, MaKiesha Manning Luhrs, and Hakim Johnson (Tonya), including a host of other loving great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward her legacy of love, grace, and faith, spanning 6 generations of family As we say goodbye, we take comfort in knowing that her spirit lives on in the hearts of all blessed to know her. Her memory will forever be a guiding light—a testament to the power of a loving heart, a strong faith, and a life well-lived.

A wake service will be held from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Friday, January 24, 2025 at Williams and Lucas Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M, Saturday, January 25, 2025 also at Carter Metropolitan CME Church located at 4601 Wichita Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76119 with Rev. Dr. Valencia Edner officiating.