Miriam Elaine Beard Fortenberry
74, Columbia
Memorial Services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, at Cedar Grove Baptist Church for Miriam Elaine Beard Fortenberry, 74, of Columbia, who died peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 23 in Columbia. Burial followed in Cedar Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Rev. Todd Sumrall officiated at the services. Visitation was held from 10 a.m. until the time of the services on Saturday, Oct. 27 at Cedar Grove Baptist Church.
She was married to the late James C. “Jimmy Shine” Fortenberry of Columbia and the late Robert L. Jackson of Baton Rouge, La. She was an active member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church.
She spent her early childhood in Mt. Vernon, Ind., but lived the majority of her life in Columbia, with some time in Baton Rouge and Nashville, Tenn. She loved her work and loved to travel, but her passion was spending time with her friends and family, all of whom she cherished and adored. She never met a stranger and no one ever had to guess what was on her mind. She was strong-willed and expected much from those in her charge, but she was equally soft-hearted and always strived to give just as much in return. She worshipped her Lord and Savior with true reverence and devotion, and faced her demons with unwavering strength and character. She took nothing for granted and always counted her blessings. When she faced adversity, she leaned on her family, friends and faith. She overcame, learned and grew. She never gave in, but always gave all that she had, whether of herself or her possessions. Most of all, she showed us that you don’t have to be perfect to be a perfect example. She will be missed immensely by those who knew and loved her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Mace Beard and Olivia Gurka; and her two brothers, George Beard and Tony Beard.
Survivors include her two sons, Jamie Fortenberry (Gerri) of Columbia and Jason Fortenberry (Memrie) of Madison; four grandchildren, Blake Dupuy (Brandy), Braxton Dupuy, Mamie Fortenberry and Lela Fortenberry, and one great-granddaughter, Presleigh Dupuy.
The family is most grateful to Columbia Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center and Encompass Health Hospice for their loving care and support.
Memorial donations may be made in her name to Cedar Grove Baptist Church, 44 Cedar Grove Road, Columbia, MS 39429 or to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.
Friends and family may share condolences and memories at www.colonialfuneralhomes-ms.com.
Colonial Funeral Home in Columbia is in charge of arrangements.
