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Courtney Parker Siceloff passed away in Savannah on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, after a brief stay under the loving care of Hospice Savannah. He was 92.
Courtney led a life of activism and community engagement, always working to build a better world. He grew up in Texas; his father was a Methodist, minister who led congregations in small towns across the state. Courtney attended Haverford College in Pennsylvania.
When World War II broke out, he followed his pacifist beliefs and signed up as a conscientious objector. During the war, he served in Civilian Public Service camps in West Virginia, Maryland and New Hampshire, working as an intern in psychiatric wards and helping build roads and string telephone and electric lines. At the war's end, Courtney joined the staff of the American Friends Service Committee, the Quaker service organization, beginning a lifelong commitment to the beliefs and actions of the Society of Friends (Quakers).
In 1950 Courtney and his wife Elizabeth traveled to the small community of Frogmore (now St. Helena), S.C. Courtney became the director of Penn Center (previously Penn School) and under his leadership it thrived as a community development center and a vital link in the fight for civil rights in the South.
In 1969, Courtney resigned from Penn to open the way for a new generation of leadership, and accepted a position as deputy director of the Peace Corps in Afghanistan. The family lived in Kabul, Afghanistan, for four years. During this period Courtney and his team worked to provide education and health care in villages across the country.
The Siceloffs moved to Atlanta in 1973, and Courtney took a staff position with the U.S. Commission of Civil Rights. He worked with community groups across the South, working to ensure projects receiving federal funds were free of racial bias. Courtney was a member of the Atlanta Friends Meeting and took an active role in leading the meeting toward the construction of a new and larger meeting house, which also included a Quaker school.
He continued to work for racial equality, for women's rights, for non-violence, and for the eradication of poverty well into his 80s. Courtney's loving wife of 53 years, Elizabeth Taylor Siceloff, passed away in 2003.
Survivors are his daughter , Mary in Savannah; son, John, and grandson, Andrew, in New York City; and an extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews, whose lives have all been enriched by Courtney's extraordinary life and his vision of a better world.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that remembrances may made to Penn Center, P.O. Box 126, St. Helena Island, SC 29920
Thomas L. Carter Funeral Home in Flemington is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
To the Siceloff family and friends, may the God of comfort watch over and strengthen you all as you grieve for Courtney. It is with deepest sympathies that I send my condolences because it is often difficult to find the right words to say. I do hope that it gives you comfort in knowing that God is near to all those calling upon his name in truth; and he is always ready to show his strength on behalf of those whose heart is complete toward him. (Psalm 145:18; 2 Chron. 16:9). My prayers go out to you all!
S. Scott
February 13, 2014
May the God of comfort strengthen your family and friends during your time of sorrow. 2 Cor. 1:2, 3
D R
February 8, 2014
It can be so hard to face the new year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
Isaiah 258
February 8, 2014
My condolences to the family. May God give you the strength to cope at this difficult time (Isaiah 57:15).
Dawn Palmer
February 6, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
G. Freeman
February 6, 2014
Please find comfort in Gods' inspired word the Bible during your time of grief and sorrow (2 Timothy 3:16). With deepest sympathy to you, your family and friends.
LH
February 5, 2014
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. "We belong to the Lord and to Him we shall return." It was my honor to walk a small portion of the path with you in Afghanistan.
A.Agnello
President, Friends of Afghanistan
(Returned Peace Corps Volunteers)
February 3, 2014
We are sorry to learn of the passing of Courtney, but are grateful for his service to our nation as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Afghanistan.
Our Condolences,
The National Peace Corps Association
February 3, 2014
Although I never knew you, you sound like a wonderful person. We need more people like you in this world. So sorry for the family's loss. May you rest in Peace.
Martha Parker-Peden
February 2, 2014
Though it has been some years since my time at Quaker House, Courtney and Elizabeth left an indelible impression on my life. His gentleness, kindness, and strength have always been a reminder to me that being a peacemaker is hard, joyful, and necessary. I am forever grateful for example and the challenge to persist in what is right.
Bradley Boyd
January 31, 2014
as you always lived, your death was quiet and peaceful. You are missed by so many.
Beth caldwell
January 31, 2014
Courtney&Elizabeth will always be remembered for all the good and wonderful things they did to make this a better world. Our prayers are sent to their family. We were so fortunate to have them for so long. Carol&Paul Muldawer,Atlanta,GA
January 31, 2014
Rest in Peace. A life well lived and accomplished
January 30, 2014
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Thomas L. Carter Funeral Home1822 E Oglethorpe Highway, Hinesville (Flemington), GA 31313
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