Courtney Joeliette Roy

The world became a brighter place when it welcomed Courtney Joeliette Roy on February 2, 2001. Despite her tiny physique, she entered with a loud cry commanding everyone’s attention. Her twin brother William, her first friend and life companion followed her debut. Courtney was the quintessential middle child caring warm and always ready to share or take the blemished piece food or toy. Her amazing disposition of being a polite, humble and caring young lady to the very end of her life was amazing. She was quick with a friendly hello, please or thank you. Courtney also loved being in the presence of her big sister Ryann with whom she shared a special loving bond. Courtney was an active member at Broad Street Presbyterian Church and was baptized October 21, 2001. She was able to witness God’s presence, love and grace as church, family, and friends provided meals, visits, cards, and uplifting gifts during her illness. She found her greatest comfort and joy with her family, friends, and going to school. Even at her young age Courtney knew that the strength of a loving family could get her through the most difficult days. She did not take her family for granted, and delighted in saying, “I love you” to them. She was born with significant privilege, but never demonstrated her advantages. She freely shared all that she had with her siblings and friends. Courtney knew the gift of real friendship, and established life long friends during her eight years at Mansion Day School. She quickly made new friends at The Wellington School when she entered middle school. Courtney was a loyal and loving friend, and her self-confidence and mild manner attracted others to her. She carefully picked her friends so they would be permanent. Learning came easily to Courtney, and although she was intelligent and exceptionally bright, she never boasted. She was an excellent student and could have become anything she wanted. She often mentioned how much she missed going to school during her illness - a privilege so many take for granted. During her illness, she was blessed to have her former fifth grade teacher ‘Ms. Kim’, to keep her academically on track and engaged. Traveling with her 7th Grade trip to Washington, D.C. and Williamsburg, VA with her classmates brought her such joy this past fall. Courtney enjoyed playing the piano, and participated in the National Piano Guild Auditions for the last two years earning special commendations. She was an avid reader, and prided herself on finishing the entire Harry Potter book series last year. Courtney loved going on family camping trips, spending time with family at holidays, making crafts, and being with her friends. God called Courtney home on January 15, 2014 after a short, but difficult battle with renal cancer. She was a courageous champion who showed amazing poise and grace. She was still able to find joy in her last days that made her smile. Courtney is survived by her parents Tamera and Richard Roy; sister Ryann Chambers Roy; brother William Roy; Grandparents Claude and Elginne Johnson; Aunts Susan Johnson and Letitia Byrd; Uncles Randy Kinder, Gilford S. Vincent, and Merrit, Sr. Vincent; Cousins Alexis and David Sowell, Cameron Kinder; Gilford S., Jr., Gabrielle, and Victoria Vincent; and a host of other cousins, friends, and family. Although it was not in God’s plan for us to see what Courtney may have become, we can only imagine the tremendous impact she would have had on this world, had she had the opportunity.