Mrs. Mavis Ruth Hudson Fortenberry, 99, of Hickory, went to her Heavenly Home on Sunday November 12, 2023, after a period of declining health.
Mrs. Fortenberry was born in Burke County, a daughter of the late Leslie and Velma Hildebrand Hudson. She was a graduate of George Hildebran High School, Mars Hill Junior College, Lenoir Rhyne University and Appalachian State University. In addition to being a loving wife and mother she worked as a Teacher and Reading Specialist at George Hildebran Elementary School and Hildebran Elementary School. Mavis was a faithful and active member of Wilkies Grove Baptist Church, a charter member and director of the WMU, Choir member, Sunday School teacher and WMU director of South Mountain Baptist Association. She also wrote the history of Wilkies Gove Baptist Church from 1892 until 1981 and served as a member of the Women’s Auxiliary of the George Hildebran Fire Department. Mavis was a strong Christian lady who loved her family, friends, church and students. She led her family in daily devotions. She and her husband Jessie had the privilege of traveling to all 50 states and many other countries.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jessie Fortenberry, two sons, Eddie Fortenberry and Billy Fortenberry, brothers, Shirley, John, Leroy, Leslie, Jr., Robert and Michael Hudson, and sisters, Lexie Cannon, Mentie Hudson, Muriel Beavers, and Beulah Eades and grandchild, Tracy Annas..
Surviving are her daughters, Marie Swink (Gene), Ellen Fortenberry, and sister, Corene Johnson. Also surviving are the apples of her eye, her grandchildren, Any English (Tom), Jimmy Fortenberry (Leslie) and great-grandchildren, Jesse Huff (Bailey), Alex Huff (Kierstyn), Kayla Fortenberry, Spencer Bumgarner, Paizli Fortenberry, great-great-grandson, Jaxon Huff, and a number of nieces and nephews. The family appreciates the leadership and love that Mavis and Jessie provided.
Mrs. Fortenberry will lie in state from 3 until 3:30 P.M. Wednesday November 15, 2023 and Funeral Services will follow at 3:30 P.M. at Wilkies Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Thurman Roe and Rev. Chance Settle officiating. Interment will follow in the Wilkies Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. A Reception will follow for family and friends in the Church Fellowship Hall.
Their family would like to thank all the wonderful people who provided care and services for Mavis, at her home, Carolina Caring, Patricia Bortnick and Kristen McKinney, the staff at College Pines Nursing Center and many others whose names are too many to name.
Memorials, may be made to Reading is Fundamental, 750 First St. NE, Ste. 920, Washington, DC, 20002, (rif.org).
Marie, I’m so sorry to hear about Mrs.Mavis passing . She’s got a new body now and walking on those streets of gold, God is so good. Sending your family love and prayers during these difficult days ahead. Cherish All the memories you have with your sweet mother.
It has been a pleasure to know and help take care of Ms. Mavis for the last four or five years. She was a blessing. The family is in my prayers. May GOD give you all peace and comfort during the days ahead. I love you all Frannie
Marie, Ellen you are in my thoughts and prayers 🙏 .
I’m Dennis Carson, Mrs Fortenberry was was my 3rd grade teacher in 1968… It was at a time when America was about to change in racial equality, Vietnam was about to end, and other event that happened during the political ring. Miss fortenberry was my favorite teacher and teaching me from right from wrong, respect other, and we always sing in her class 😅.. she treated everyone in our class room equal,. Except there were a few students that she petted a lot 😅 in the George Hildebrand community she was a guardian angel”🙏🌹
Such a sweet loving humble lady. Also a wonderful family and our neighbor. Sing with the angels!
Mrs. Fortenberry sounds like the kind of wonderful teacher we all should have had. I am sure she is receiving her rewards in heaven.
I am so sorry to hear of Mavis passing. They were great neighbors to me growing up. It was an honor to know such a wonderful lady. My prayers are with all of you.
Dear Family, Mrs. Fortenberry was a wonderful woman, and a truly dedicated teacher. She was one of my third grade teachers, and taught us in a way that was easy to learn.
It’s not farewell I’ll say, but, see you later!!
Mavis was as been said in an earlier comment. An angel in our community and in our church. She was a blessing to many. Marie, Ellen , Amy, Jimmy and family she loved all of you dearly. She was a dedicated Christian woman that loved and cared about everyone. Prayers to all.