Shirley Gail Courts, 71 years old, a former 50 year resident of Dunbar, passed away July 16th, 2008 at Iredell Memorial Hospital in Statesville, NC after a long illness.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Winford Haskel "Jim" Courts; son, Gary Courts and wife Robin of Richmond, VA; daughter, Teresa Campbell and husband Gary of Lincolnton, NC; daughter, Karen Courts of Mooresville, NC; three grand children, Jenny Pratt and husband Brian, Liz Courts and Sam Courts. She is also survived by sisters, Margaret Huard of Dearborn MI, Betty Mockler of Merritt Island, FL, half-sister, Anna Stump of Hamlin, and half-brother, John Bench of Ocala, FL.

Mrs. Courts is preceded in death by daughter Sherrie Lynn Courts who she will be laid to rest beside. Mrs. Courts was born in South Charleston, to the late Esley Kermit Hoover and Susie Francis Settle. She later married Jim and they lived in Dunbar until 2004 when they moved to Mooresville, NC. She was active at Dunbar First Baptist Church as Children's director, pre-school program coordinator, deaconess, and choir member. She was also a volunteer of the American Red Cross for many years.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 19, at Grandview Memorial Park, Dunbar, with the Rev. George R. Pauley officiating.

The family will receive visitors from 12 noon until 1:30 p.m., Saturday, July 19, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar. The procession will leave the funeral home at 1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Salvation Army, 301 Tennessee Ave., Charleston, WV 25302 in memory of Mrs. Courts.