DORIS EDWARDS COURTY, 91, Shhh! Don’t tell! entered Heaven on March 25. She is predeceased by her husband, Paul J. Courty, and parents Otis and Marie Sims. She was born November 12, 1925 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and raised primarily in Birmingham. She moved to Tampa as a young bride and resided here the rest of her life. She enjoyed sunshine and beaches, collecting thousands of shells.

Her hobbies included wood working, painting, and cooking for friends and family. Her Christmas feasts were legendary as were the all-girls shopping trips to the outlet malls.

Doris and Paul enjoyed travels across the United States, England, France, and other countries; also, yearly visits to Alabama to be with family. They were devoted Alabama football fans. Many pleasurable evenings were spent at Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club.

She was the Mother our friends wanted. We consider ourselves blessed beyond measure with the Mother God chose for us. The legacy she left behind is a family that loves her, and each other. Our hearts are filled with thanksgiving for having this remarkable woman who graced our lives with love and devotion.

We were deeply touched as the nurses that cared for her during the last two years of her life, came into her room to say Goodbye, crying, and sharing their remembrances of her feisty spirit and Southern charm.

She is survived by her children: James L. Edwards, Marlene (Thomas) Gore, Margaret Pinner, Dale (Anne) Edwards and Susan Young. Grandchildren: Jimmy (Kelly) Edwards, Christy (Marvin) Moses, Thomas D. (Abby) Gore, Doris (Jim) Hardin, Billy Gore, Amy (Jason) Morton, John-Paul (Marion) Conners.

Great Grandchildren: Charlotte & James Edwards; Tyler, Logan & Emilee Moses; Elijah & Savannah Gore, Jack & Madeleine “Maddie” Hardin; Matthew & Mason Morton.

She was a long-time member of Idlewild Baptist Church and we will celebrate her life this Friday, March 31st. at Idlewild Baptist Church. Visitation at 10:00 AM Services at 11:00 AM. Interment will be next week at the Florida National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Idlewild Baptist Church for missions.