On June 14, a commemorative bench donated to the historic Ramsay/Toy VFW Post on Woodrow Avenue by the Courtney and Jenkins families was dedicated in memory of two extraordinary women— Rosa Lee (Rosalee) Courtney and Gloria (Glory) Jenkins, charter VFW Auxiliary members whose dedication helped shape the post and its surrounding community. 

The two sisters moved to Boston from Blackville, South Carolina in 1960 and quickly embraced the city as home, raising their families here and devoting countless hours to community service. Rosalee, remembered as the guiding force of her family, and Glory, known for her warmth and generosity, left a lasting impact on all who knew them.

Rosalee’s husband, former Commander of VFW Post #8772 and Specialist First Class Alfonzia Courtney, remains a proud member of the post to this day, a living connection to their shared legacy. 

The Ramsay/Toy VFW Post #8772 was named in honor of native Bostonian Captain David L. Ramsay of the US Air Force and Patrick E. Toy of the US Navy. 

“You might drive by this building and not realize how much history lives here,” said Post Commander and Sergeant First Class Sammy McCall. “But history doesn’t just happen—it’s built by people like Rosalee and Glory. These benches are a tribute to their spirit and a reminder that history starts with community. That’s what they embodied every single day.”