Bennie Jean Fortenberry

Funeral services for Mrs. Bennie Jean Fortenberry will be held Thursday, December 14, 2017, at Central United Methodist Church at 11:30am with Rev. John Branning officiating. Burial will follow in Magnolia Cemetery. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Mrs. Fortenberry, age 81, of Meridian, passed away, Monday, December 11, 2017, at Anderson’s Regional Medical Center.

She was born and raised in Meridian and was a lifelong member of Central United Methodist Church. Mrs. Fortenberry was active in many plays at Meridian Little Theater, where she also served on their board of directors. She was active in Meridian Junior Auxiliary for many years. She loved playing Bridge weekly with her friends.

One of her daily routines was meeting with the “lunch group” at Anderson’s, where many tales were told. She spent many years travelling to the beach with the Destin Darlings for their annual trip. For the past twenty-seven years, her favorite adventures were with her grandchildren—her pride and joy—who affectionately called her “Ba.” Now, she’s with her beloved husband, known as “Poppa” to the grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, William “Bill” Fortenberry, Jr., Leslie (Julie) Fortenberry, Lisa Moore, and Kim (Doug) Story; grandchildren, Will (Kristina) Moore, Sarah Story, Melissa Moore, Alex Story, and Allen Fortenberry; and one surviving niece, Merri Lynne (Jim) Booth.

She was preceded in death by her husband of forty-eight years, William Eckie “Pete” Fortenberry and her mother, Dollie Trussell.

The family requests memorials be made to the Children’s of Alabama Hospital, Central United Methodist Church, Meridian Little Theater, and/or the charity of your choice.

Pallbearers will be Bill Fortenberry, Leslie Fortenberry, Doug Story, Will Moore, Allen Fortenberry, and Randy Touchton. Honorary pallbearers will be Ira Edwin Owen, Dr. Woody Abraham, Irby Lang, James Guie Coggin, and the Anderson’s Cafeteria Lunch Gang.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com

Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 13, 2017, from 5:00-7:00pm at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home and Thursday, December 14, 2017, from 10:30-11:30am at Central United Methodist Church.