Obituary for Maxine Fortner
Maxine Fortner, 60, of Franklin, NC, passed away Monday, April 17, 2023 after a period of declining health. She was a native of Jackson County and the daughter of the late Fornes Gene (Doc) Fortner and Flora Jean (Cunningham) Fortner. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brother, Jeffrey Lee Fortner and her grandparents, Arthur and Mindora (Broom) Fortner and Kelly and Elmina (Simonds) Cunningham.
Maxine was witty, a great friend and listener, funny, compassionate, protective and a very hard worker. She enjoyed the beach, lake camping, music, softball, spending time with her family and a great pair of jean shorts. Maxine will be remembered for her intense concern for others struggling in life…she opened her heart and door to many. She graduated from Cullowhee High School in 1981. For much of her professional career she was a bookkeeper and supervisor for Winn Dixie of Cary, NC.
She is survived by her son, Mark Thompson of Cullowhee (Callie Owens) and her daughter Leighann Thompson (Jamal) of Sylva. Four grandchildren, Kaiden Russell Long, Jaiden Noah Long, Chaya Arshawn Jones and arriving in June, Charlie Rawlings Thompson. “The most precious jewels you’ll ever have around your neck are the arms of your children and grandchildren.”
Forever remembered by her siblings: Three brothers, Willie Joe Fortner (Nikole) of Cullowhee, NC, Tilmon Gene Fortner of Charlotte, NC and David Lee Fortner (Vel) of Canton, NC. One sister, Patricia Ann Queen (Kenny) of Cullowhee, NC. “Side by side or apart, siblings will always be connected by the heart.” Her many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins will miss her deeply.
We will be celebrating Maxine’s life in a private family and friends ceremony at Mathis Cemetery (Tuckasegee, NC) on Sunday, April 30 at 11:00 a.m.
“I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, where I am you may be also.” John 14
Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.
Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Maxine was witty, a great friend and listener, funny, compassionate, protective and a very hard worker. She enjoyed the beach, lake camping, music, softball, spending time with her family and a great pair of jean shorts. Maxine will be remembered for her intense concern for others struggling in life…she opened her heart and door to many. She graduated from Cullowhee High School in 1981. For much of her professional career she was a bookkeeper and supervisor for Winn Dixie of Cary, NC.
She is survived by her son, Mark Thompson of Cullowhee (Callie Owens) and her daughter Leighann Thompson (Jamal) of Sylva. Four grandchildren, Kaiden Russell Long, Jaiden Noah Long, Chaya Arshawn Jones and arriving in June, Charlie Rawlings Thompson. “The most precious jewels you’ll ever have around your neck are the arms of your children and grandchildren.”
Forever remembered by her siblings: Three brothers, Willie Joe Fortner (Nikole) of Cullowhee, NC, Tilmon Gene Fortner of Charlotte, NC and David Lee Fortner (Vel) of Canton, NC. One sister, Patricia Ann Queen (Kenny) of Cullowhee, NC. “Side by side or apart, siblings will always be connected by the heart.” Her many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins will miss her deeply.
We will be celebrating Maxine’s life in a private family and friends ceremony at Mathis Cemetery (Tuckasegee, NC) on Sunday, April 30 at 11:00 a.m.
“I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, where I am you may be also.” John 14
Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.
Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.