Pastor's Blog

Our world lost its sparkle on Tuesday, January 23, 2018, when Courtney Michelle Jalanivich Hubbard, wife, mother, daughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend entered her eternal heavenly home.  Look to the sky and you should see it shimmering brighter than it ever has because she leaves a little sparkle wherever she goes. Courtney was born 1977, to her loving parents, Cheryl and John Jalanivich.  She was a life long resident of Ocean Springs, MS.  She touched the lives of countless children during her eighteen year career as an elementary school teacher for the Ocean Springs School District.  She was a phenomenal teacher and viewed her students and teaching as her medicine.  Courtney loved spreading joy and was known to shower her family and friends with special gifts to make them smile.  Her smile alone could light up a room and now the world seems a bit dimmer for all who love and cherish her.

Courtney fought the fight of her life battling cancer.  If love could cure cancer, Courtney would still be here spreading her love and kindness.  However, cancer did not win, Courtney is at peace and perfectly whole. She is singing, laughing, and adding extra sparkles of glitter in Heaven.

Courtney was joyously welcomed to Heaven by her niece, Blayne Davis who is enjoying all CoCo’s undivided attention; as well as, her maternal and paternal grandparents, Patricia and John Fagan and Winton and David Jalanivich, Sr.

Courtney leaves behind her Prince Charming of 20 years, Mark Hubbard.  Together they have 3 beautiful children, twins, Brock and Maura Kaye and son, Brayson.  Her children were her greatest achievement and brought her much joy and happiness.  She lived for watching her boys play sports and Maura Kaye dance and cheer. She was always on the sidelines or in the crowd cheering them on. She cherished the life she and Mark had built together.  Along with her husband, children and parents, she leaves behind two sisters; Melissa (Chad) Davis and Ashley (Chad) Collums; father and mother-in-law, Angelyn and Billy Hubbard; brother-in-law, Tracy (Jade) Hubbard; nieces, Laynee Davis and Logan Hubbard; nephews, Pruett and Parker Collums and Easton Davis; countless aunts, uncles, and cousins.  She treasured her friendships and considered her friends part of her family.

Courtney was treated by the world’s best medical teams at two of the finest facilities on the planet. Courtney loved her medical team and the staff at both locations.  Her team at MD Anderson was led by Dr. Abenaa Brewster and her team at The Regional Cancer Center was led by Dr. Benjamin Gatewood.  Her family would also like to thank Hospice of Light for the care and compassion that was provided in the days and weeks leading to her passing.

In lieu of flowers, Courtney wishes donations be made to: Sprinkles of Hope an organization that she established to shower patients with love and support; while undergoing cancer treatment. Donations can be made at Charter Bank under Sprinkles of Hope, 2702 Bienville Blvd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564 or you can hand deliver to the branch. She also wishes that you seek God in all things, give your life to Jesus, sign up to become an organ donor, and perform a random act of kindness.

Visitation will be on Thursday, January 25, 2018, from 5:30 pm – 7 pm at the Billy G. Hubbard Gymnasium at Ocean Springs High School, 6701 Old Spanish Trail, Ocean Springs, MS 39564.  A service celebrating her incredible life will be held at 7 pm.

Online condolences may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com

She is clothed in strength and dignity, she laughs without fear of the future. Proverbs 31:25