Rachel LeAnna Fortner

Ms. Rachel LeAnna Fortner, age 27, of Cedar Bluff, Va., passed away Wed., Feb. 11, 2009 in an Atlanta, Ga., hospital following a brief illness. She was born in Richlands, Va., and was the daughter of Ray and Sue Radcliffe Fortner of Cedar Bluff, Va. She had made her home in the Cedar Bluff area most of her life and was currently employed by the Russell County Public School System as a math teacher for 3rd through 6th grade at Elk Garden. She was a graduate of Lebanon High School Class of 2000 and had received her Bachelor's Degree in 2007 from Virginia Intermont College. She was a member of Community Heights Baptist Church. Survivors, in addition to her parents, are: two sisters: Katrina Danielle Smith and husband, Matthew, of Radford, Va., Tara Faline Fortner of Cedar Bluff, Va.; nephew: Arkhum Smith; niece: Neissis Smith; loving companion: Brandon Vance; paternal grandfather: Charles Fortner of Claypool Hill, Va. Funeral services for Rachel LeAnna Fortner were conducted Sat., Feb. 14, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. at the Community Heights Baptist Church in Wardell, Va., with the Rev. Vonley Pruitt officiating. Interment followed at Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill, Va. Pallbearers were: Justin Wade, W.J. Cole, Greg Copen, Rick Colley, Chris Dye, and Brian Hale. Friends called after 6:00 p.m. Fri., Feb. 13, at the Community Heights Baptist Church in Wardell, Va. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rachel Fortner Memorial Fund, c/o Carter Bank & Trust in Cedar Bluff, Va. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Va., was in charge of arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com .