Mary Fortner

Mary O. Fortner, 82, of Jackson died Wednesday, April 22, 2009, at Jackson Manor.

She was born Dec. 22, 1926, in Malden, Mo., daughter of Harry Edward and Kittie Bell Capshaw Rayburn. She and James "Rush" Fortner were married Feb. 28, 1948, in Malden. He died Dec. 11, 2008.

Fortner has lived in Cape Girardeau since 1955. She was a member of Red Star Baptist Church. She was director of adult Sunday school department 18 years, and involved with Sunday school youth group 10 years. She was a member of Women's Missionary Union and also director and prayer chairwoman.

She was secretary to the principal at Central Junior High School 25 years, from 1962 to 1987.

Survivors include a son, Paul Fortner and wife Cheryl of Gordonville; four grandchildren, James Fortner, Aaron Fortner, Philip Swift and Melanie Swift.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a daughter and two sisters.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Red Star Baptist Church, with the Revs. Cy Smith and Donald Sander officiating. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park in Cape Girardeau.

Memorials may be made to Red Star Baptist Church.