Courtney Elizabeth Garner, 29, passed away Thursday, July 16, 2020 at Tampa General Hospital. She was born August 24, 1990, in Brandon, FL. Courtney was a 2008 graduate of East Bay High School and a graduate of Hillsborough Community College. She was a member of Alafia Baptist Church and worked as a Workflow Coordinator for Kass Shuler Law Firm.
Courtney is survived by her Husband, Ryan Garner; Parents, Melissa and Rodney McGowan; Father, Terry Pettys; Brothers, Michael (Ashlee) Pettys and Chase McGowan; Sisters, Angel Parker and Savannah Pettys; Grandmother, Lorraine Smith; Nephew and Niece Michael Jr. and Amelia Pettysl Uncle and Aunt, Matthew and Wendy Smith; her beloved cousins Shelby and Shayla Smith; and a large much loved extended family.
Courtney sparkled. She loved life. She loved her family, her dogs, Jack and Scout, and was always up for an adventure. She inspired and amazed everyone with her strength and determination. Shakespeare's words described her best "though she be but little, she is fierce." She did not let Cancer determine her destiny. She did not define herself and did not want to be defined as a Cancer patient. She lived each day to the fullest and made every moment count.
This was her verse:
When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. Isaiah 43:2
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all of the Doctors, Nurses and Support teams that have cared for, supported and encouraged Courtney in her journey through life as a transplant patient and her battle with Cancer. Words cannot express how grateful we are that you were there for her and what your support meant to her and us. To the donor family, your gift gave us six more years with Courtney, and we will forever be grateful.
The church will Livestream the service starting at 11 am through their Facebook page so that you can watch from home.
Services will be held Wednesday July 22, 2020 at Alafia Baptist Church, 222 Alafia Church Rd, Lithia, FL 33547 at 11:00 am with family receiving friends one hour prior to the service.
Limited capacity with Social distancing will be practiced, and masks will be available.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alafia Baptist Church or LifeLink in Courtney's memory.
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