1994
Courtnie
2024
Courtnie Sierra Scalf
June 3, 1994 — April 30, 2024
Marshall, North Carolina
peacefully at home, with her mamma, daddy Olaf, and the best hospice nurse ever, Cheryl
Craig, to begin her next journey in her Heavenly home on April 30, 2024 in Carrabelle, Florida.
Courtnie was born at Jackson County Hospital in Marianna, Florida, to Pennie Charles on June
3, 1994. Courtnie Sierra is preceded in death by her Nanna, Faye Martin; and grandaddy,
Raymond Charles.
She is survived by her parents; Pennie Charles and Olaf Goddard, as well as her loving bonus
family, Mamma Marlene, Daddy Wade Rice, and bonus sister, Hannah Proffitt, and tons friends
who loved her and will miss her greatly.
Courtnie graduated from Madison County High School in North Carolina in 2013. She lived her
life each day with a smile on her face and love in her heart. She enjoyed drawing, sewing,
listening to Rock ’n’ Roll music, watching classic TV, and making crafts. She had a love for
animals especially her dogs. She thought of other people’s feelings before her own. Courtnie
learned at the tender age of six that life was precious and that you should not take your next
breath for granted. She enjoyed every holiday, and made her family celebrate each one of
them, but Christmas was her favorite. She was a beacon of light, hope and inspiration to all
those that had the privilege to know her. Courtnie was a true warrior, she fought and bet many
odds that most were unable. She will be remembered the most for her smile, her fighting spirit,
and love for life.
Her parents wish to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Amar Gajjar, at St. Jude Children’s
Research Hospital who has dedicated his life to saving as many children as he can with brain
tumors, and to the late Dr. Alex Sanford of Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, whom dedicated his
life to saving the lives of children with brain tumors. If it wasn’t for the dedication of these two
individuals, we would not have had the privilege of another 23 years with her after the first
brain tumor cancer diagnosis, medulloblastoma, at the age of six. We also wish to thank Dr.
John Kirkpatrick and Dr. Peter Fecci at Duke University for their dedication to Courtnie in her
continued journey through life and surviving her second and third brain tumors, meningioma
WHO 2. A special thanks to Dr. Loretta Leake, who cared for and loved Courtnie for over 15
years. Courtnie was diagnosed with her fourth and final brain tumor on September 20, 2023 at
Mass General Hospital. She showed strength and bravery in the face of her last diagnosis and
let her parents and doctors know enough was enough. She decided she was going to live life
her way and fight this glioblastoma tumor on her’s and God’s terms.
A Word from your Mamma:
Although our journey together was too short and difficult at times, I want to thank you for
saving me and giving me purpose on this Earth. The greatest privilege I have ever had was
being your Mamma. You touched many lives during your short journey. And although I walked
ever step with you throughout your journey, I did not walk your walk or experience what you
did. You made me stronger because you showed strength and resilience throughout your
multiple diagnosis’ and treatments with no complaints. Your will to live and love gave me the
strength to fight the good fight right beside you. You were the bravest, most loving, and
unselfish soul I had the privilege to know, you were my soul mate in this life. You were truly an
Earth Angel that walked among us, my million dollar miracle baby. You were my only child and
although there is nothing or no one that can fill your void in my life, I will do my best to grant
your dying wish, and that was for me to find happiness and peace after your decision to leave
this Earth. I will cherish you always and carry you in my heart forevermore. Thank you for being
my teacher in life and being my daughter, hero and the wind beneath my wings. You’ll always
be with me, like a handprint on my heart.
Children Research Hospital, the place that Courtnie Sierra considered her
home away from home. stjude.org
A remembrance service will be determined at a later date, Courtine wished to go
home to be honored by friends and loved ones.
Great Spirit Prayer
Oh, Great Spirit,
Whose voice I hear in the winds
and whose breath gives life to all the world.
Hear me! I need your strength and wisdom.
Let me walk in beauty, and make my eyes
ever hold the red and purple sunset.
Make my hands respect the things you have made
and my ears sharp to hear your voice.
Make me wise so that I may understand
the things you have taught my people.
Let me learn the lessons you have hidden
in every leaf and rock.
Help me remain calm and strong in the
face of all that comes towards me.
Help me find compassion without
empathy overwhelming me.
I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother,
but to fight my greatest enemy: myself.
Make me always ready to come to you
with clean hands and straight eyes.
So when life fades, as the fading sunset,
my spirit may come to you without shame.
- Author Unknown
- Translated by Lakota Sioux Chief Yellow Lark in 1887
Allow my Heart to open like a flower and give the
many blessings to everyone around you
Allow your soul to fly free again as it once did.
May you be ever blessed with the abundance of infinite Love and Light
Amen
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Courtnie Sierra Scalf, please visit our flower store.
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