Lillie H. Courtney

A Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Lillie H. Courtney will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, January 4, 2025, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Bassfield, with interment following in the Bassfield Cemetery. Father Tomasz Golab will officiate. Mrs. Courtney, age 94, entered into the eternal rest of her Lord Thursday evening, January 2, 2025, at the Asbury Hospice House in Hattiesburg. Saulters Moore Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

The Courtney family will receive friends Saturday morning from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Peter Parish Hall, with the Rosary beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Lillie Howard Courtney was born on April 9, 1930, in Jefferson Davis County to Walter and Esther Daley Howard. She graduated from Carson High School and played basketball during her youth. She and her late husband, Roy, were married on December 24, 1950, and made their home in Bassfield, where they raised their four children. 

Her greatest calling was that of a doting wife and mother. Mrs. Courtney had an extraordinary ability to provide a home filled with love and sustenance. Her children cherish the fond memories of their mother, who consistently ensured that three hearty meals graced their table each day, which always included her homemade biscuits for breakfast. Her kitchen was a sanctuary of flavor and care, and her baking was particularly legendary. Family gatherings were made even more special by her renowned carrot cake and chocolate pies, which everyone especially looked forward to during holidays.

One of her great pleasures was tending to her flowers and working in her yard. Given the honorary title of endearment as the “Caladium Queen”, her yard was a kaleidoscope of colors that she took great pride in. Even in her later years, she took pleasure in maintaining her yard, cutting her own grass as long as she was able. 

Faithful to her Lord, Mrs. Courtney was a devoted parishioner at St. Peter Catholic Church. Her commitment extended to serving on the Alter Society and the Parish Council and also fulfilling the role of Sacristan. 

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Courtney is preceded in death by her husband of 29 years, Roy Courtney and her brothers, Billy Howard and Danny Howard.

Her memory will forever be cherished by her daughter, Jennifer Courtney Speights (Robby) of Boston, MA; and her sons, Don Courtney (Kim) of Monticello, Rod Courtney (Kathy) of Hattiesburg and Grant Courtney (Dawn) of Birmingham, AL. The legacy of their Memaw will also live on through her 7 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com.