Esterleen Fortner Von Edwins

Esterleen Fortner Von Edwins

Esterleen Fortner Von Edwins, age 92, of Meridian, MS, went to heaven to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 2nd, 2016.

She was born on November 12, 1923 in Anderson, S.C. She was the daughter of the late Ebb and Exie Dunn Fortner.

She is survived by her children Steven Von Edwins (Cindy Shannon) of Melbourne, Florida, Joyce Von Edwins Mayer (Harry) of Meridian, MS, Roger Von Edwins (Jill White) of Little Rock, AR, and a sister JoAnne Chasteen and her husband Rev. Sam Chasteen of Anderson, SC. She is also survived by 6 grandchildren, Brad, Joey and George Von Edwins, Riley Hill, Kirby and Emma Von Edwins, Michelle and Brooke Mayer. And 3 great grandchildren,. Ryan and Merritt Hill and Colin Von Edwins.

She was a loving, devoted wife of 54 years. She was also a loving, nurturing homemaker and mother to three children.

She enjoyed reading, cooking, gardening, ceramics and sewing. She was an active member of Highland Baptist Church for 46 years. During that time she taught 4th grade Sunday School, helped with Vacation Bible School, worked in the church library, was a member of WMU, the GoSeeDo group and was an active participant in her Sunday School class. She truly loved her church.

She was preceded in death by her husband George Frances Von Edwins of 54 years, her parents, brothers J.B. Fortner, Robert Fortner, Reverend Freeman Fortner, Houston Fortner, and sisters, Venice Addison, Mildred Bell and Vera Hart.

A celebration of life service will be held at the Robert Barham Family Funeral Home on Saturday, January 16th, 2016 at 2:30 p.m. with Dr. Carl White and Dr. Richard Wallace officiating. Interment will follow at Magnolia Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the funeral Saturday, January 16th , 2016 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m.

Memorials may be made to Highland Baptist Church.

We want to thank mom’s longtime, loving sitters: Felicia Houston, Atalia (Tad) Gady, Mrs. Allen, Barbara Timms, Kristy Jones, and Vicki Smith. Also a special thanks to Sheila and Patricia with Harpers Hospice.