Courtney Autumn Verceles, passed away unexpectedly on July 12, 2023, at her home in Spring, Texas. She was only 45 years young. Her family is deeply saddened by her sudden death. Courtney was born on September 23, 1977.

Courtney is survived by her husband Benedict Verceles, son Ian Michael Douglas, her mother Roxanne Gustafson and stepfather John Gustafson, and grandmother Annerose Pinkerton, and mother-in-law Violeta Verceles, her fairy Godmother Terry Ann Kater and her dogs Charlie, Carley, Bear, and Franklin. Forever remembered by her sister Whitney Drechsler, her brother Bill Cooper, stepbrother Gunnar Gustafson and his wife Kristine Gustafson, along with their children Mikayla and Nicholas, stepsister Gillian Foster and her husband Shawn Foster, with their daughter Kylee. She is also loved by her brother-in-law Joe Verceles and his wife Jenny Ann Verceles, with their daughter Mikaella, sister-in-law Gerlie Verceles, and her children Geraldine, Victory Jr, Shane, and Angel, sister-in-law Vivien Abutal and her husband Ray Abutal, with their children RJ and Violet, brothers-in-law Vergel Verceles and Sherwin Verceles, sisters-in-law Sheila Verceles and Lorbien Verceles, her cousin Caroline Pinkerton and her daughter Charlotte, and uncle Jack Pinkerton Jr.

Courtney was predeceased by her grandfather "The Major" Jack Pinkerton, her father Richard Lee Douglas, her uncles Thomas and Robert Pinkerton, father-in-law Bienvenido Verceles, and brother-in-law Victory Verceles and her dogs Harley Girl and Clyde.

Courtney was born at Moses H Cone Hospital in Greensboro, North Carolina. She grew up in Reno, Nevada until she was 11. Afterwards, she moved to Mission Viejo, California and attended Mission Viejo High School.

Courtney met Ben in Los Angeles, California in October 2005. Shortly after they both moved to Seattle, Washington and were married on July 7, 2007. They moved to Houston, Texas in July 2010 where they currently resided before her death.

Courtney was a beautiful soul who had an infectious personality. She listened with intent, and she loved unconditionally. She had a passion for helping others in need and had a passion to honor our veterans with the utmost respect. She had helped with fundraising and organizing activities for the Memorial Day Flowers Foundation, providing roses for the families of our fallen heroes. She was a true angel on earth, a selfless person who saw good with everyone. She had a love for music. She played the saxophone for her high school band and danced like no one was watching. She had been part of a large reggae music community, traveling all over to see her favorite bands, enjoying and loving life with her husband Ben.

Courtney was a beautiful person inside and out. Her smile was so stunning it would light up the whole room. She cared so deeply for the people around her. She was so kind and passionate. She made an impact on many lives. She will be forever missed. Until we meet again.