Jimmie Ruth Fortenberry Obituary
We are sad to announce that on April 17, 2026 we had to say goodbye to Jimmie Ruth Fortenberry of Columbia, Mississippi. Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Jimmie Ruth Fortenberry to show support.
She was predeceased by: her husband Charles Marion Fortenberry; her parents, John Hurston Lea and Estelle Whiddon Lea; her brothers, Paul Lea, Hubert Lea and Major Lea; her granddaughter Tara Fortenberry Ard; and her great grandchildren, Olivia Kate Torian and Caroline Layne Fortenberry.
She is survived by: her children, Sheila Sanford (Terry) of Ellisville, Mike Fortenberry (Merri Anne) of Columbia, Wayne Fortenberry (Karen) of Franklin, TN and Rickey Fortenberry (Donna) of Columbia; and her grandchildren, Chris Fortenberry (Rebecca), Nakia Fortenberry (Julia), Brandi Fayard (Earl), Courtney Solomon (Josh), Clint Stringer (Bridgett), Chey Stringer (Ginger), Roy Sanford (Catherine), Tony Sanford, Kevin Sanford (Chelsey), Crystal Matesich, Dee Dee Montgomery (Mark) and Lorie Sanford. She is also survived by 37 Great Grandchildren; 1 Great Great Grandchild.
Visitation was held on Wednesday, April 22nd 2026 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Hathorn Funeral Home (167 Old Hwy 98 E, Columbia, MS 39429). A funeral service was held on Thursday, April 23rd 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Cedar Grove Baptist Church (54 Cedar Grove Rd, Columbia, MS 39429). A graveside service was held on Thursday, April 23rd 2026 from 11:40 AM to 12:00 PM at the Cedar Grove Cemetery (54 Cedar Grove Rd, Columbia, MS 39429).
