Myrtle Lewis Fortenberry

Myrtle Louise Lewis Fortenberry, age 98, passed away peacefully at home on December 27, at 4:30 a.m. A Celebration of Myrtle’s life will be at Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, Mississippi on Monday, December 30, 2024, with visitation from 10:00 to 12:00 and the service to begin at 12:00 noon. A graveside service will follow at Eureka Baptist Church close to Pisgah in Sandhill, MS. Myrtle was preceded in death by her husband, Tate Fortenberry, Jr, parents Frank and Clyde Lewis, five sisters and two brothers.

Survivors include her daughters Shirley Allen and Patrice Bailey (Buddy).

Four grandchildren, Gregg Allen, Gretta Madison (Turtle), Kayla Harris, and Morgan Tate Bailey.

Two great grandchildren, Laken and Kam Madison and a niece, Peggy Booth.

The family wishes to express their sincerest appreciation to the staff of Traditions Health Hospice for their care and support since November 24, 2024.

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Myrtle was born on January 31, 1926, to Frank and Clyde Ethel Lewis of Morton, Mississippi. Myrtle attended Branch School and graduated in 1944. Myrtle always said she did not care much about school all she went for was to play basketball. She loved watching basketball!

Myrtle met the love of her life, Tate Fortenberry Jr., and they were married on April 5, 1945. They were together for ten days and then Tate left for the United State Army during World War II. Myrtle did not see Tate for 18 months. After the army, the two love birds built a home in the Eureka Community. The couple was happily married for 73 years. Mr. Tate passed away on 10/23/2018.

Myrtle was a member of First Baptist Church in Brandon, Mississippi. In October 2019 Myrtle had a stroke and was unable to return to her home full-time. She moved in with her daughter Patrice and husband Buddy.

Before moving Myrtle enjoyed cooking, sewing, keeping an immaculate house, tending to her beautiful flowers and yard. She and Tate always had the most beautiful yard on their street. Some of her favorite pastimes were spending time with her family, going to the beauty shop, and having her nails manicured. She loved pretty clothes, shoes, jewelry and looking like a true southern bell.

Myrtle was a sweet lady and full of life. Everyone who knew her grew to love her quickly. She was truly the “life of the party.” You never had to wonder what she was thinking because she was very outspoken. She was a giver. Each time you visit her, she always tries to give you something upon leaving. She had a tender heart and enjoyed company. Her deepest desire was to go home to be with Jesus and the love of her life, Tate Jr.