John Courtney Sheffield, 1918-1992

J. Courtney Sheffield was born on July 25, 1918, in Dinwiddie County, Virginia, to Jervis George and Grace Cole Sheffield. He died at the Hospice Acute Care Unit of Northern Virginia on October 14, 1992. He was married to Betty Lou Loftis on February 1, 1944, and for 48 years they were partners in ministry. In addition to Betty Lou, Courtney is survived by three children, Walter Jervis Sheffield, Polly Sheffield Roberts, Courtney Lou Sheffield Tierney and eight grandchildren.

Courtney entered the ministry from his home church, White Oak, West Dinwiddie Charge, in the Petersburg District. He was a graduate of Randolph-Macon College, the Candler School of Theology of Emory University and the Navy Chaplains' School at The College of William and Mary. He did further graduate study at Union Theological Seminary in Virginia.

His ministerial service began in 1943 at Matoaca (Petersburg District). Other churches he served were Bishop Memorial (Richmond), Waverly (Petersburg), Sussex (Petersburg), Beulah (Richmond), McKendree (Norfolk), Stratford Hills (Richmond), Central in Hampton (Peninsula), Christ (Arlington), St. Mark's (Petersburg), and Clarendon (Arlington).

He served twice as a chaplain in the United States Navy. During World War II he was aboard the aircraft carrier USS Barnes in the South Pacific. During the Korean conflict he served aboard the troop ship USS Langfitt. At Great Lakes Naval Base he was the first full-time chaplain appointed to the Navy Wave recruits and was also chaplain to the Blue Jacket Choir.

In the nine years of his retirement, Courtney was active in Arlington Forest Church and in many community activities such as the United Way, the American Red Cross and the Arlington Kiwanis Club. He was one of the founders of the Family Respite Center in Falls Church. Also he preached in many Northern Virginia churches.

In his personal life, Courtney demonstrated strength, faith, and a zest for life. Early in his ministry, with God's help, he successfully fought to overcome the crippling symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Years later, when he was stricken unexpectedly with a rapid decline from cancer, he accepted the end of his life with courage and grace. Throughout his adult days, Courtney was a devoted husband, father and friend. He was a serious student of the Bible, history, etymology of words, biblical archaeology and enjoyed traveling to many foreign countries. He was an avid sports fan and loved to play golf.

Courtney loved the United Methodist Church and enjoyed being a local church pastor. He was devoted to the Christian ministry and served his Lord with a contagious joy, loving attitude, positive leadership and sense of humor. He was an excellent preacher and an innovative teacher. During his career he taught many Bible studies on the conference, district and local church levels.

Courtney Sheffield was an unassuming and gracious pastor with a deep faith and love for people. He walked into a room with a smile, put people at ease, and often told a joke or story. As Bishop Stockton said at the memorial service at Arlington Forest. "Courtney was a Virginia Christian gentleman.”

A memorial service for Courtney Sheffield was held at Arlington Forest Church, conducted by the Rev. Richard S. Keller, Dr. Robert L. Parsons, and Bishop Thomas B. Stockton. A private committal service was conducted by the Rev. Richard S. Keller and Dr. Donald H. Roberts with interment in the Chaplains' Section of Arlington National Cemetery.

 

-Donald H. Roberts