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Courtney Williams Obituary

Williams Courtney Lynn Williams, age 36, after her life long battle with congenital heart disease passed through Heaven's Gate July 23, 2015 while at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles awaiting a heart transplant. Courtney was born November 27, 1978 in Columbus, Ohio. The daughter of Christine Gockenbach and Keith (Bo) Williams. Graduated with distinction from The Ohio State University with a Masters of Education. She was a member of the Delta Zeta Sorority. She was also a graduate of Dublin Coffman High School 1997. Courtney taught math and science at Galloway Ridge Intermediate School in the Southwestern City school district. Her life long passion was teaching. She received many teaching awards, including several awards for Teacher of the Year. Although she struggled daily with her own health issues "Always Paying Forward" was how she lived her life. Community service and volunteering gave her great joy and comfort. She was a founding member and officer of Mended Hearts of Ohio. She was a volunteer for Big Sisters, Ronald McDonald Charities, American Heart Assoc., and Little Mended Hearts. Courtney also was involved in may professional and church groups. She, particularly, loved her Bible Study group. Courtney's life was all about the love she had for her family, many friends, and her students. She gave to all who knew her the life's gifts of Strength, Love, Hope, and Courage. Preceded in death by grandparents Luther and Marie Williams, grandfather Charles Green, step-grandparents Marie and Earl Gockenbach, uncle USN Captain Tom Williams and beloved cousin Tasha Williams Gunn. Survived by her mother, Christine (Trey) Gockenbach; father, Keith "Bo" Williams; stepmother, Nancy Williams; grandmother, Vivian Green; sisters, Sherry (Scott) Carrier, Jennifer Williams; brother, Ryan Williams; step-brothers, Derek (Amy) Robinson and Greg (Sarah) Robinson; beloved nephew, Quinn; also a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. The family wants to extend sincere thanks to Dr. Curt Daniels and the staffs of Nationwide Childrens Hospital and the OSU Ross Heart Center. Visitation will be held 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, July 31 at the MORELAND FUNERAL HOME, 55 East Schrock Rd, Westerville. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 1st at Central College Presbyterian, 975 Sunbury Rd., Westerville, OH 43081. Rev. Dr. Richard Ellsworth, officiating. Interment Groveport Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mended Hearts of Central Ohio, 7774 Brandonway, Dublin, OH 43017.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Jul. 28 to Jul. 30, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Courtney Williams

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Ann Crawford

August 4, 2015

My heartfelt condolences to the Williams family. I knew Courtney for over a decade during her stellar teaching career at Galloway Ridge Intermediate. Her sense of compassion for others, combined with her courageous spirit will always be a source of inspiration to us all. Courtney, you will be greatly missed by all who have come to know you. In Peace & Love,

Jessica Moreno

August 4, 2015

I met Bo and Nancy in the Los Angeles restaurant where I work, right across the street from the hospital in which Courtney was staying. I never met Courtney, but I feel like I experienced her essence through the love and admiration with which Bo and Nancy spoke about her. What a fantastic and inspiring woman! Bo and Nancy, if you read this, and if you remember me, please know that you touched me deeply during our talks. And as I am blessed to still be moving through my life in the here-and-now, your stories of Courtney have made me want to be a better, more grateful, more loving person. You are a wonderful family. I send my love and prayers to you all. May Courtney rest in peace.

Tahira Farooqui

July 31, 2015

Our sincere condolences to the Williams family on your loss. We have known Courtney for many years through the Mended Hearts Group. She was a very special person full with kindness, hope and courage. Almost everyone in the Mended Hearts Group was inspired by her warmness, strength, courage, friendly attitude, and kindness. She will be missed greatly by all of us. God bless all of you.
Tahira and Akhlaq Farooqui

Angel Anderson

July 30, 2015

Finally out of all your pain!! A sweet Angel in heaven with your grandpa and grandma Williams and so many others of our family! You will be miss by many wish we could have know you better, cousins Janet Marie Hayes and Angel Marie

David Dorton

July 30, 2015

I did not know courtney. But I'm sure she was a lovely person to know.

Raymond Partlow

July 30, 2015

Courtney, you were the model of dedication to children. I will miss you and your ever-smiling face.

Deann Ward

July 30, 2015

Courtney was in my life when I was her seventh grade science teacher. I distinctly remember her on a trip to Virginia Beach to release sea turtles that had been raised at the Columbus Zoo. She was a delight to be in the classroom with. Quiet, determined, wanting to succeed, being considerate of others.....I was blessed by Courtney's life during the year we were together.

Danielle Grate

July 29, 2015

Courtney always had a smile on her face! She was one of the strongest, most determined people I've ever known. I am so fortunate that I had the pleasure of working with Courtney for several years. God bless her family and friends. She will be missed.

Tom & Annette Salser MH

July 29, 2015

Until we meet again we know the Lord is enjoying having you with him as much as we enjoyed knowing you - You were a blessing to our Rebekah and to so many others - Thank you Courtney for being such a fabulous person!

Alexis Williams

July 29, 2015

Your life was a blessing to those who had the privilege of knowing you. You had an infectious smile and will be greatly missed.

Molly Hurley

July 29, 2015

Thoughts and Prayers to Courtney Williams Family and Friends.

Andromeda Rucker

July 29, 2015

Courtney's faith and passion for life touched so many of us. She was a shining light and will be missed greatly. Prayers to her family and friends.

Julie, Chris, Amelia and Luca Fink

July 29, 2015

We still can't believe you're gone, but know you are safe and healthy in heaven. Miss you already, dear friend.

To Courtney's family-- she was quite the treasure and such a wonderful person. I know you are so proud of her, and you have every reason to be. I promise you, her legacy lives on in her friends, students, fellow heart patients, and more. Our sincerest condolences for your loss.

Lyndsey Harbin

July 29, 2015

Thanks for all the great memories Courtney. You are such a special person, and you will be missed by so many. Thoughts and prayers to friends and family.

Robert & Toni Nuber-Smalley

July 29, 2015

Courtney,You will be forever missed. Prayers to the family!

Mary Ann Ward

July 29, 2015

Dear Williams Family: We, the families of The Compassionate Friends, send you our heartfelt condolences. The Compassionate Friends is an international grief support group for parents, grandparents and siblings who have suffered the heartbreaking loss of a child. Our only mission is to provide comfort, hope and support to every family experiencing the death of a son or daughter, brother or sister, or grandchild, and to help others better assist the grieving family. We meet monthly in Columbus from 7-9 PM on the second Tuesday of each month at Ascension Lutheran Church, 1479 Morse Rd, Columbus, OH 43229. If and when you are ready to do so, please join us. We Need Not Walk Alone. We are The Compassionate Friends.
~
The Compassionate Friends
Columbus, OH Chapter
(614)882-8986
www.tcfcolumbus.org
www.compassionatefriends.org

Suzanne Douglas

July 29, 2015

I miss you, Courtney. You touched so many lives, and I will be forever grateful for your friendship.

Chip Miller

July 29, 2015

Thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Suzanne Douglas

July 29, 2015

I miss you, Courtney. You brought so much love to this world, and I am forever grateful for your friendship.

Debbie Scales

July 29, 2015

You have touched so many lives. I will miss your sweet smile and caring heart. Love!

Amy Wood

July 29, 2015

Court, you will be seriously missed. Love you lots, Amy

Anne Smith

July 29, 2015

Courtney's short life touched so many people, including me. She was a wonderful teacher and person of faith. I am so sorry for your loss. May her soul rest in peace. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends.

Lauren Chapman

July 29, 2015

Goodbye darling. You will be with us forever and always....

Diane Riesen

July 29, 2015

Courtney... only saying 'good-bye' for now.... Thank you for changing my life, teaching me what courage truly is, and showing me to always be optimistic. Give Nick a giant Hug from Aunt Nan!!!

Kim, Rod & Mikaylee Barnhart

July 29, 2015

Courtney, may your light forever shine in the hearts of all who knew you as you dance among the Angels tonight.

Jen Petry

July 29, 2015

I miss you my dear friend. Love you!

Tammy and Caleb McManaway

July 28, 2015

Miss Williams will be missed greatly from all that who knew her. Prayers to the family.

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Funeral services provided by:

Moreland Funeral Home - Westerville

55 E. Schrock Road, Westerville, OH 43081

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