Mary Nell Courtney

Mary Nell (Kyle) Courtney was born on December 6th, 1943 to the late Edward Kyle and Patty Gwyn Jones in Surry County, North Carolina. Mary was called home to sing in God’s Heavenly Choir on Tuesday March 22, 2022. She was loved by all and a second mother, auntie, and friend to many. Mary Nell graduated from Yadkin High School in Yadkinville, North Carolina and also attended Bennett College in Greensboro, North Carolina. Later Mary moved to Washington, DC in the 1960s and started her employment with Kronheimer’s; then moved on to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) in the claims department. Her career then elevated to the Epilepsy Foundation of America (EFA) where she worked for 29 years as the office receptionist until retirement. At EFA, Mary was the first person you saw or talked to and she was known as “Miss Mary,” to all that would call or visit. A true event planner extraordinaire! Family and friends gathered for countless reasons in celebration of anniversaries, birthdays and football games at the Courtney household; especially if Miss Mary’s greens and potato salad were being served. Her love for youth was immeasurable. Always supporting her daughter Tanya’s extracurricular activities and serving as a mentor with the District of Columbia Youth Task Force. Mary met the love of her life Kenneth L. Courtney while working at WMATA. They were married for 48 years before her passing. Traveling annually to "RENDEZVOUS" was their favorite pastime as members of the District of Columbia Metropolitan Amateur Radio Club (DC MARC). Sisterly love is a bond that will never die. Mary and her younger sister Paulette had an endearing relationship and shared a lot of time together making memories whether in DC, Maryland, and North Carolina during travel or just on the telephone day to day. As a firm believer in Christ, Mary was a faithful member of Greater New Hope Baptist Church in Washington, DC serving as a Trustee, Flower Ministry member, Combined Choir and Paradise Chorus member, homeless outreach worker and a diligent student in Bible Study and Sunday School. Her faith was strong and remained in tack even during severe illness until her transition. Mary Nell leaves to cherish her memories: a loving husband - Kenneth L. Courtney, her amazing and caring daughter - Tanya Courtney, her pride and joy granddaughter - Rolonda Donelson, sister - Paulette Kyle Gregory, devoted niece - Fleurette Gregory-Phillips (Dwoine), and great niece - Asia Phillips; along with a host of other relatives, secondary children, and friends.

Tributes

Mary Nell Courtney

December 6, 1943 - March 22, 2022