Mary Frances Fortenberry, age 71, of Blue Ridge, passed away on Friday, June 6, 2025 in Gainesville. She was born on May 8, 1954, in Union County, to the late Nathan Thomas and Pearl Aileen Clayton Thomas. Mary was a member of Youngs Chapel Baptist Church. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Mary is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Eddie Thomas; and sister and brother-in-law, Fannie and Danny Garrett.

Mary is survived by her husband of 50 years, L.C. Fortenberry; son and daughter-in-law, Jeryl and Kayla Fortenberry; daughter and son-in-law, Kerri and Lee Dixon; grandchildren, Taylor Kellow (Mollie Liestra), Hannah (Avery) White, Bryson Fortenberry, Seth Kellow, Brady Ramey, Mason Ramey, Carter Kellow, and Savannah Kellow; great-grandson, Hudson Kellow; siblings, Dorothy and Joe Dillard, and Nathan and Nancy Thomas; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends also survive.

A funeral service was held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at 2:00 PM from the Akins-Cobb Blue Ridge Chapel with Rev. Wallace Parks and Rev. Max Curtis officiating. Interment followed in the Track Rock Baptist Church Cemetery in Blairsville, with Rev. John Newton officiating. Pallbearers were Taylor Kellow, Bryson Fortenberry, Seth Kellow, Brady Ramey, Mason Ramey, Carter Kellow, and Avery White. The family visited with friends at the funeral home on Monday evening from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM.

Condolences may be left for the family online at www.akinscobb.com.

Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Blue Ridge was in charge of the arrangements.