Story
Mary Holmes Fortenberry
Mary Holmes Fortenberry, 82, of Magnolia, peacefully entered her eternal home in Heaven on October 24, 2026. She was born in New Orleans, LA, on December 9, 1943, to the late Ed and Lucille Holmes. Mary was a faithful...
Mary Holmes Fortenberry, 82, of Magnolia, peacefully entered her eternal home in Heaven on October 24, 2026. She was born in New Orleans, LA, on December 9, 1943, to the late Ed and Lucille Holmes. Mary was a faithful servant of the Lord, devoted wife, loving mother, and MawMaw.
She graduated from Magnolia High School and Southwest Mississippi Community College. She worked as a secretary at Eisworth Motors, as a bank teller at Bank of McComb, and as a substitute teacher at Osyka Elementary before becoming a homemaker.
Mary exuded the love of Christ to everyone she met and was known for her kind, sweet, and gentle nature. She was an active member of Bluff Springs Baptist Church until her health declined, teaching Sunday School for many years. She loved music and singing in the choir and had a beautiful voice. She led the children's choir and taught and directed Vacation Bible School for many years. She also coordinated a Senior Adult Luncheon at the church, held monthly for several years, allowing the Senior Citizens to come together for a meal and fellowship. She also served as the Church Treasurer for many years. She was a woman of deep faith whose life touched countless others.
She is survived by her children, Carroll L. Fortenberry Jr. (Heather), and Carl Fortenberry (Courtney); her grandchildren, John David Fortenberry (Lauren), Hadley Fortenberry Barone (Dominic), Colby Fortenberry (Delanie), Caleb Fortenberry (Lily), Keely Fortenberry, and Max Fortenberry; her great-grandchildren, Bentley, Hattie and Titus and 2 baby boys arriving in February 2027; brother, Mike Holmes (Cherry); sister-in-law Doris Holmes, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of over 50 years, Carroll L. Fortenberry Sr.; her parents, James Ed and Lucille Thornhill Holmes; 1 daughter, Mary Lisa Fortenberry; and 2 brothers, James E. Holmes and Richard Holmes.
Services were held Wednesday October 28, at Bluff Springs Baptist Church. Visitation was from 9AM to 12PM, followed by the funeral service at 12PM. Rev. John Alexander, Rev. John David Fortenberry and Rev. Lance Cutrer did officiate and burial followed at Bluff Springs Cemetery under the direction of Hartman-Jones Funeral Home of McComb.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Haley Hogan for her kindness, compassion and care. The family also extends its sincere appreciation to the staff of Aston Court Assisted Living for the exceptional care they provided.
Pallbearers were John David Fortenberry, Colby Fortenberry, Caleb Fortenberry, Max Fortenberry, Jessie Holmes, Casey Holmes, and Eddie Holmes. Honorary pallbearers were Mel Fortenberry and Troy Fortenberry.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bluff Springs Cemetery Fund at 5027 Magnolia-Progress Rd, Magnolia, MS, 39652.