Lady in Waiting Celeste Evans Courtney
– Santa Claus Society –
The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jospeph Manning Courtney Jr., Celeste Evans Courtney has the distinct honor to serve as Lady in Waiting on the 2024 MCA Court, honoring her family’s legacy and lineage that extends for many generations.
Celeste’s familial ties to Mardi Gras begin with her paternal grandfather, Joseph Manning Courtney, played an integral role as a page in the courts of King Donald Smith and Queen Laura Jackson, as well as a knight in the court of King J. Roy Albright and Queen Alletta Lyons. Her paternal grandmother, Elizabeth Vickers Courtney, held the esteemed position of First Lady in Waiting to Queen Monica Damrich. The tradition continues with Celeste’s father, Joseph Manning Courtney, Jr., who served as a page to Queen Tallulah Dunlap Quina.
The Courtney family’s Mardi Gras legacy extends to Celeste’s brothers, Joseph Manning Courtney III and Maurice Lyon Courtney, who have donned various roles in the court, from heralds to knights. Notably, Celeste’s great-grandmothers, Edna Manning Courtney and Gene Dumas Vickers, also served as ladies. She is excited to follow in the footsteps of her grandmother and great-grandmother as Leading Lady of SCS.
Celeste attended St. Paul’s Episcopal School before starting on her college journey at the University of Alabama. Majoring in Finance with a minor in Real Estate, Celeste has garnered recognition through the Capstone Scholar Scholarship and the Alumni Scholar Award. She is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, Alabama Finance Association, Acre (Alabama Center for Real Estate), Culverhouse Real Estate Society, Sorority Recruitement Tech Team, Homecoming Committee and RUF (Reformed University Fellowship). When she graduates, she plans to work in the Mobile Bay Area.
“Love Letter to Mobile:
“I love how Mobile is a mix between a city and a small town. Everywhere you go you are met with a smile and a familiar face. I had the privilege of growing up here and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Every time I come back I am reminded of wonderful memories of growing up. Playing with my cousins, going to Mardi grad parades, and relaxing on the bay.”
– Lady in Waiting Celeste
Evans Courtney
Santa Claus Society”
Outside of school, Celeste enjoys a wide variety of activities such as tennis, running, cooking, traveling, and being on the water. Reflecting on her travels, Celeste fondly recalls studying abroad in Rome, exploring Florence, Milan, Sorrento, and Interlaken. However, her heart always finds its way back to the comforting shores of Mobile Bay, particularly in Point Clear, her favorite place in the world.
Dedicated, loyal, kind-hearted, and consistently thinking about others, creates a lasting impact on those fortunate enough to know her. She is thrilled to share in this exciting season with her friends and family.
