REIDSVILLE - Mr. Joe William Courts, age 95, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Saturday morning, June 14, 2025, as he transitioned into the loving arms of the Lord.

Public viewing will begin on Saturday, June 21, 2025 from 12 until 7 p.m. at McLaurin-Harris Funeral Home, 721 East Morehead Street, Reidsville, NC.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, June 22, 2025 at 3:30 p.m. from the Jerusalem United Holy Church, 633 Prince-Williams Street, Reidsville, NC. The family visitation will take place at 3 p.m. Bishop Elijah Williams will preside and Bishop Mary Jackson, eulogist.

The interment with military honors performed by the United States Army Honor Guard will follow in Greenview Cemetery, Reidsville, NC.

All other times, the family will receive friends at the residence, 901 Burnett Street, Reidsville, NC.

"Papa Joe" as he was affectionately called was born in Ruffin, North Carolina on July 11, 1929 to the late Joe William Courts and Bertha Siddle Courts Mims.

He was married to the late Mary Regina Finch Courts for 62 years.

Joe received his early education in the Reidsville City Schools. Math was his favorite subject, and he dreamed of becoming a math professor. After his father's passing, he took on the responsibility of helping provide for his mother. In his youth, he delivered newspapers. As an adult, he served in the US Armed Forces from 1948-1950, he worked at Reidsville Laundry, and served in an Instructor Position at Burlington Mills Industries. He also worked part-time as a door-to-door salesman for Mason Shoe Company, and performed odd jobs - mowing lawns and cleaning carpets - to support his family. He was an avid gardener and as a result, many were blessed from the fruits his labor.

Music was a defining passion for Joe. He gave private music lessons and faithfully played the piano and organ at several churches, including Jerusalem United Holy Church where he was a member for (nearly 74 years), Browns Chapel Church (62 years), and The First Baptist Church - his musical gifts blessed countless choirs. Joe also organized musical groups involving his family: he started the Children of Christ group with his three daughters (The Courts Sisters) and three nieces (The Ziglars), and later continued with The Courts Sisters, featuring his daughters. In April 1974, moved by his love for youth and his desire to bring them to Christ, he founded the Jerusalem Fellowship Choir, which united young church members across the community. This ministry-sharing group was considered as The Community Choir, remaining active for 46 years and touching many young lives through gospel music and fellowship.

In addition to his parents and spouse, he was preceded in death by siblings, Claude Allen (Nettie), Louise Neal (Willie), Fred Courts, Sr. (Mildred) and Gladys Marie Courts (Oscar); son-in-law, Mack Settle; grandson, Fredrick "Tre" Caldwell, III; stepsister, Minister Flossie Jackson (Raymond).

Joe's legacy lives on in the hearts of those who loved him. He leaves to cherish his memory: daughters, Joanne Courts-Settle, Joyce Courts-Massey (Mark) and Regina Gorrell; grandchildren, Dezmon Settle (Janay) and Reginal Gorrell; great-grandchildren, Milani Pickard, Janiyah Settle, J'Anthony Jones, Jamea Jones and Jayana Jones; godchildren, Quinton Courts (Shavonda) and Kevin Courts (Amaka); honorary daughter, Debra Allen (Claude); honorary son, Timothy Pinnix (Valerie); special Daily Talking Buddies, Gerald Courts, Jayfus Mitchell and James Earl Watlington; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, church family, and dear friends.

Papa Joe was a man of faith, service, and heart. His music, kindness, and commitment to his community will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Service by McLaurin-Harris