Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, April 23, at Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Columbia for Jimmie Ruth Fortenberry, 93 of Columbia, who passed away Friday, April 17, 2026. Interment will be at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Columbia. Mark Montgomery and Bro. Tommy Broom will officiate the services. Chris Turnage will provide special music.

The Fortenberry family will receive guests on Wednesday Evening from 5:00 pm up until 8:00 pm at Hathorn Funeral Home in Columbia.

Jimmie was known for her friendly personality, kind heart, and infectious smile.  Her family looked at her as the Matriarch of the family.  She was a mother that loved her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchild unconditionally.  Jimmie was a mother that put her faith and family above all else.

For many years she cooked Sunday meals for her family.  Even as her children grew older and had children of their own, she treasured bringing her family together for a meal and fellowship.   She would tell stories and share all her wonderful memories over and over, as if you had never heard them before.   She was a dedicated daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother to us all.

Jimmie was a hard-working woman that loved the public.  She was employed throughout the many years at Walker 5 & 10, Walker Discount, and Walker Bros. Drug Store.  After retiring she went to work for family at Quality Lube Service.

Jimmie was a member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church.  She loved her Sunday School Class and enjoyed being the class secretary.  She was a faithful member for many years until moving to The Grove in 2022.  Her health no longer allowed her to attend as often.   So, she enjoyed church services provided by The Grove.

The Grove became family to her as well.  She was treated with kindness and loved Bingo time.   Our family appreciates the kindness this facility and staff gave to our beautiful mother.
After suffering a stroke, she fought her battle well.  But April 17th the faith she walked on earth became her reality in Heaven.
She fought the good fight, finished her race, and kept her faith.

She was preceded in death by her Husband Charles Marion Fortenberry; her Parents; John Hurston Lea & Estelle Whiddon Lea; 3 Brothers, Paul Lea, Hubert Lea, Major Lea;  1 Grandchild, Tara Fortenberry Ard; 2 Great Grandchildren, Olivia Kate Torian, Caroline Layne Fortenberry;

She is survived by 1 Daughter, Sheila Sanford (Terry), of Ellisville; 3 Sons, Mike Fortenberry (Merri Anne) of Columbia; Wayne Fortenberry (Karen) of Franklin, TN;  Rickey Fortenberry (Donna), of Columbia; 12 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. 37 Great Grandchildren; 1 Great Great Grandchild.

Mrs. Fortenberry will be carried to her final resting place by those honored to serve as Pallbearers; Clint Stringer, Chey Stringer, Chris Fortenberry, Nakia Fortenberry, Roy Sanford, Tony Sanford, and Kevin Sanford.

Hathorn Funeral Home in Columbia is in charge of the arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.hathornfuneralhome.com.