Rose Juanita Courtney

Rose “Juanita” Smith Courtney (96) entered into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on September 21, 2022. She was born January 30, 1926, in Knoxville, TN, to Ed and Victoria (Moore) Smith. She graduated from Knoxville High School in 1944. In 1946, Juanita met the love of her life, Paul “Bud” Courtney. They were married on February 1, 1947, and together they built a life based on their faith in Jesus and provided an example to everyone what a Christian marriage should be. Juanita was a member of City View Baptist Church for 75 years where she served the Lord as a beloved Sunday School teacher to high school girls, a nursery worker, and a prayer warrior. She worked for the YWCA in downtown Knoxville for over 30 years. She enjoyed collecting fine china, crystal, and silverware. Her favorite was Depression Glass. She had a talent for making people feel special, and she took great care in ensuring each of her grandchildren picked tableware patterns for themselves. She helped them complete their sets, and she encouraged them to use their items because she believed every day is to be celebrated and advised them to not worry when one breaks because if that happens, it means you are using and enjoying it. She also loved music; her favorite being instrumental piano albums by Anthony Burger and Dino. But none of her interests or hobbies compared to her love for Jesus, His Word, her faithful husband, children, grandchildren, cousin siblings, church family and friends, and sharing the Gospel of Jesus. She taught countless people how to pray, and she helped lead many souls (several which were complete strangers) to God. Anyone who knew Juanita knows that she lived out God’s greatest commandment to the fullest extent – Matthew 22:37, 39 – she loved her Lord, her God, with all her heart, soul, and mind, and she loved her neighbor as herself. What a joyous moment when she heard Him say, “Well done thy good and faithful servant.” Preceded in death by her parents Ed and Victoria (Moore) Smith, loving and faithful husband Paul “Bud” Courtney, brother Howard Leon Smith, aunt Agnes Myers, cousin brother Clarence Moore, and cousin sister Barbara Lee Williams. She is survived by her children Vicki Howard (Vic), Paula Browning (Michael), and Eddie Courtney (Anita); grandchildren Bret McElroy, Dana Bass, Laura Sharp (Wess), Shannon Hardin, Leeanne Halliburton (Todd), Amy Aboumoussa (Joe), Megan Courtney, and Geoffrey Courtney (Taylor); great grandchildren Jessica James (Andre), Christopher Bass (Alahnah), Will Bass, Ashley Stewart (Josh), Sarah Bass, Kortney Johnson (Jonathan), Austin Hardin, Rylee Anne Halliburton, Dalton Halliburton, Dylan Halliburton, Nate Aboumoussa, and Charley Rose Courtney; great-great grandchildren Jordan James, Tate Byrge, Bella Byrge, Aubree Byrge, Tyson James, and Neyland Hardin, cousin brothers Victor Moore, Kenneth Moore, and Bill Myers, cousin sisters Virginia Berkley and Rosemary Hayes, and many nieces and nephews. Juanita’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff and employees at The Pointe at Lifespring, Autumn Care – Karns, and Smoky Mountain Hospice for their excellent care and love during the last five years as well as the many, many friends who prayed, sent cards, notes of encouragement, and flowers, and who made phone calls and visits during COVID. Family will receive friends for visitation on Sunday, September 25, 2022 from 2:00pm until time of funeral service at 4:00pm at City View Baptist Church with Rev. Lucky Steele and Rev. Todd Halliburton officiating. Family and friends will meet on Monday, September 26, 2022 at 10:45am at Lynnhurst Cemetery for a 11:00am graveside service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: City View Baptist Church, 2311 Fine Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917, Farragut High School Football Program, 11237 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37934, Pediatric Stroke Foundation, Autism Awareness, or Hydrocephalus Awareness. Condolences can be left for the family at www.mynattfh.com