Margaret Ann Fortenberry was born on October 15, 1930, and went home to be with her Lord on October 5, 2026. She lived her life according to her favorite words “Joy” and “Rejoice.” Her parents were Alma and Archie Jordan; their family lived near Ellisville. She attended Ellisville High School and Jones County Junior College, graduated from Mississippi College, then attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

Preceding her to be with the Lord are her parents and her husband, Claude Fortenberry. Surviving her and grieving her passing are her daughter Judy Ann Fortenberry Anderson and her husband, Bob Anderson; her son and daughter-in-love Cliff and Melanie Fortenberry; her grandchildren Elizabeth Fortenberry Bebber and her husband, Eric; Ryan Fortenberry and his wife, Lauren; Lindsayann Anderson; also great grandchildren, Eli Bebber, Annette Bebber, Jansen Fortenberry, and Aspen Fortenberry. Additionally, there are beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins who will miss her loving influence.

Her life was characterized by her service to the Lord, His Church, her family, and many community organizations. She served in the Church through Woman’s Missionary Union in her local church, teaching throughout the county, the state, and other states. She played the piano in her church until she was 90. She was president of the Docents’ Guild of the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art in Laurel as well as President of the Ellisville Lions Club. Serving as Statewide President of Mississippi Association for Family and Community Education was an honor. She also served as President of the Ellisville Iris Garden Club and the Ellisville Alpha Delta Kappa Honorary Society of Education.

While teaching students in many educational programs of the churches she and her husband led, and as a teacher of math and science in public schools, she was able to influence and mentor many young people over decades.

In honor of her life, donations may be made to Pine Grove Baptist Church, Jordan Cemetery, or a student scholarship of your choice. Her family thanks you for the influence you had in her life.