Courtney Nicole Therneau's Obituary
Our hearts are broken to announce the death of Courtney Nicole Therneau, 38, beloved daughter of Randy and Vicki Therneau. She was born in Longview, TX, May 25th, 1985, and left us to mourn her passing, February 26, 2024, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. She attended Trinity School of Texas from kindergarten, until she graduated Valedictorian of her senior class in 2003. She graduated from Hollins University in Roanoke, VA., in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy and a minor in Psychology. Continuing her education, she received her Masters Degree in Psychology from the University of Texas at Tyler in 2009, and became a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst. She worked with children suffering from autism.
Courtney’s memory will be forever treasured by her friends and family. She was preceded in death by both of her grandfathers, John Allen, and Owen Therneau. She is survived by her mother and father, Randy and Vicki Therneau, her grandmothers, Wanda Allen and Jean Therneau, all of Longview; her aunt and uncle Nanette and Jeff Dyess of Pearland, TX. her cousins Christen Dyess Reyanga (husband Beau and children Harper and Wren) from Lantana, TX.; Kimberly Waddle of Pearland; and Callison Dyess Manz (husband Alex and son Jack) also of Pearland; as well as many other special family members, great aunts and uncles, and second and third cousins.
How can the sum of a person’s life be contained in a few words? In describing Courtney, her mom wrote, “She was tenderhearted, compassionate, thoughtful, and loving.” Her tender heart and great compassion led her toward people and animals who needed her help. She noticed the ones most people overlooked. What admirable and amazing qualities Courtney possessed! Her passion was to make a real difference in the lives of her clients and their families.
Courtney was devoted to her family. She was always ready to help, family or friends, whenever she was needed. Her final hours on this earth were spent helping her Dad fix a fence for her horses.
Courtney enjoyed horseback riding since she was a child. She loved her horses so much that, when Courtney went off to college, she took her horse to college with her. We are certain she made better grades than the horse made. The labor involved in raising horses, and tending to her beloved pets (her dogs, her two cats, her pig, and her turtle), was never a burden to her. She loved being with animals.
Courtney was a tissue donor. Even in death, she was able to save another person’s eyesight, as well as provide tissue for several clef palate reconstructions.
Courtney will be remembered as a uniquely, gifted young woman, a brilliant student, and a beautiful, kind soul. Her legacy of faithful caring will remain because she will live on in our hearts always. “The Lord is near the brokenhearted and saves the crushed spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
A Celebration of Courtney’s life will be held at Rader Funeral Home Chapel in Longview, Tuesday, March 5th. Family Visitation will be from 9-10 A.M., followed by her service at 10 A.M. A private family graveside service will follow at Rosewood Cemetery in Longview, TX. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any gifts or memorials be sent to The Equine Therapeutic Center in Tyler, (To donate: starbrighttyler.networkforgood.com – in honor of Courtney Therneau), or to the Courtney Therneau Memorial Fund at the Ministry Church, P.O. Box 9880, Longview, TX 75608.
What’s your fondest memory of Courtney?
What’s a lesson you learned from Courtney?
Share a story where Courtney's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Courtney you’ll never forget.
How did Courtney make you smile?

