Cortnay J. Sessions

Cortnay Sessions was born March 17, 1983, in New Haven, CT to the late James Ottis Sessions and the late Bessie Sessions-Olique. Cortnay was raised and was a lifelong New Haven resident. She was a vibrant child who enjoyed academics socializing and had an enormous passion for music. Through middle school and high school Cortnay excelled and maintained high honors. She was privileged to participate in a high honors program called the Macy’s Program. She graduated from James Hillhouse High School in 2001. She pursued higher education and was accepted into Delaware State University where she majored in liberal studies and social work. She maintained high honors throughout college. Cortnay had an enormous passion for music and ministry where she sung with a plethora of choirs, singing groups to include Anointed Tabernacle Choir, Voices of Worship, she had the privilege to travel and sing with JJ Harris & YouthfulPraise, she also sung as a duet with her sister Tomica Sessions and she served over 20 years in her one true love … on the praise and worship team. Cortnay was known for her keen sense of note recognition, vocal control and vocal stability. Her love for music extended far beyond the scope of gospel music and ministry. She reveled in the subtleties of the notes in music. Her love for ministry extended as she accepted a higher call to ministry. She was ordained as an Evangelist by Bishop Joseph Sessions/Holy Word Foundation and under Pastor Margaret Sessions Rivers church (formally known as Unity and Praise) Latter Greater Deliverance on October 8, 2012 where she served in this capacity for twelve years and remained a faithful member for over twenty-five years. Cortnay leaves behind one daughter Camiyah Jasmine Sessions, Three sisters Tomica Sessions, Breianna Stanley, and Nakisha Riles (Malik/juju), uncles Alvin Cooper, Moses Sessions(Ann), Bishop Joseph Sessions(Annette) & Dennis Sessions; Aunts Charvan Collins(John), Mary Bland, Margaret McFadden & Betty Brown;eight nieces Cilvia Short, Chanise Sessions, Nylonni Turner, Liyah Turner, Skye Turner, Ny’eri Turner, and Mykayla White, two nephews Malachi Sessions, Antwon Johnson and first great niece Golden Lee Nicole Redding. She also leaves behind her best friend of more than 30 years Pastor David McClure III. In addition, she also leaves to mourn a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family whom she loved dearly. She was predeceased by her parents James Otis Sessions and Bessie Sessions-Olique; grandparents Florence Cooper, Willie Cooper, and Elizabeth Session; Uncles Arthur Cooper & Willie Cooper and Aunt Josephine Scott.

Cortnay J. Sessions

March 17, 1983 - December 18, 2024