Mrs. Hilda Louise Rivenbark Coursey, age 90, passed away May 7, 2026. She was born on January 11, 1936 in Blountstown, Florida to Robert Henry Rivenbark and Jennie Barton Rivenbark.

Mrs. Coursey grew up in Tallahassee, Florida where she graduated from Leon High School and Florida State University, where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Education. After teaching one year in Broward County, Mrs. Coursey returned to her beloved Northwest Florida, where she was employed by Walton County School Board, where she established the first DCT program in Walton County in the school year 1958-59, and throughout her life continued to refer to all her DCT students as “her children”. She loved each of them dearly. After 8 years in the DCT program she was transferred to the district staff of the school system, where she enjoyed the privilege of working with all the schools in the county, as grant writer for both federal and state funding and later in developing the In-service Training program for all personnel, as well as many other responsibilities. In the early 70’s she returned to school at the newly established University of West Florida, where she earned her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Her final accomplishments with the school district, before her second retirement, was coordinating the committee that at developed the SPICE Program to serve students before and after the regular school day. During her years in education Mrs. Coursey had the privilege of serving on the Florida State Council on Teacher Education, as the representative of small counties in the state. She also served on the Board of Trustees of Okaloosa Walton Junior College, which became Okaloosa Walton Community College during her termon the Board. Following retirement from Walton County School District she became a very active member of the DeFuniak Springs Pilot Club. During her years with Pilot Club, she and her good friend Becky Young, began to dream and then followed their dream to take lead for the Pilot Club in the funding of the Friendship House, which provided a much needed adult day care service for those affected by brain related disorders, or who were simply elderly and lonely. As an active member of the First Baptist Church of DeFuniak Springs for more than 60 years she had privilege of serving as Sunday School Director, Discipleship Training Director, and teacher. She also Enjoyed serving as Church Hostess for Approximately 12 years. During that time, she led a volunteer group in preparing the Wednesday Night Supper for up to 150 people. Mrs. Coursey was a current member of Calvary Baptist Church in DeFuniak Springs, Florida.

Mrs. Coursey was preceded in death by her father and mother, her “Daddy” Willard Ayers, her loving husband of 45 years Anglin Coursey and one brother, Jim Ayers.

Mrs. Coursey is survived by her son, Robert Coursey, who was her devoted caregiver for the last five years; and 1 grandson, Chase Gunter. She is also survived by Rebecca Thomas, her caregiver for the last 5 years, who has been like a loving daughter to her.

Graveside Services will be held at 3:00 PM, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Beulah Anna Baptist Church Cemetery; 1363 Coursey Rd Westville, FL 32464; with Reverends Jerry Chumley and Dean Penzo officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to Calvary Baptist Church at 75 Church St DeFuniak Springs, FL 32439.