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Frances Fortner Obituary
Jackson - Frances Anne Fortner, 18, passed away May 17, 2018, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center following a car accident. She was a beloved daughter and friend, and her spirit was defined by artistry, integrity, laughter and grace.
She was a member of St. James' Episcopal Church in Jackson, Mississippi, where visitations are planned for Friday, May 25, 5-7 p.m. and Saturday, May 26, at 2 p.m., with the funeral at 3 p.m. Saturday and a reception to follow in St. James' Fowler Hall.
Frances was born February 26, 2000, in Greenville, North Carolina. She loved to dance and began formal training at age 3. In 2004, the family moved to Gainesville, Florida, where Frances attended public school, made many wonderful friends, and continued to study dance.
After the family moved to Jackson in 2009, Frances joined Ballet Mississippi and became a principal dancer, appearing in many roles and compositions over the years.
She was a student at Jackson Academy, where she was a member of the National Honor Society and a student council representative. She was involved in a number of clubs and community service activities, including as a Sub Deb for the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra. She graduated from JA with honors May 18, and her diploma was accepted by her classmate and best friend, Emma Ward.
Frances was artistically talented and received honors in many school-level and district art competitions. She loved music and was a gifted writer and videographer. During her senior year, she served as editor-in-chief of the JA student newspaper and had been accepted on an academic scholarship to attend the University of Missouri and its prestigious journalism school in the fall.
She loved animals, including her dog Holly and cat Zoey, and she was especially fond of children, who returned her affection in equal measure.
The most important part of her life were her many friends at school, throughout the greater Jackson community and from her time in Florida.
She is survived by her parents, Laurilyn and Tom Fortner of Jackson, and her maternal grandparents, Frances and John Stauffer of Suffolk, Va. Her paternal grandparents, Anne and Charles H. Fortner III of Charleston, S.C., have passed away.
The family expresses its heartfelt thanks to all those who cared about Frances, honor her memory, and have shown them so much love and kindness in their grief.
Donations in Frances' memory may be made to the Frances Anne Fortner Memorial Scholarship Fund, in care of Jackson Academy, P.O. Box 14978, Jackson, MS 39236, or to the Frances Anne Fortner Ballet Mississippi Scholarship Fund, in care of Ballet Mississippi, P.O. Box 1787, Jackson, MS 39215. These scholarships will be used to aid students who emulate Frances' values of kindness, diversity and inclusiveness, women's equality, artistry, and living an authentic life.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Frances Fortner
Sponsored by Sebrell Funeral Home.
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May 12, 2020
Rest well,
Leslie McMillan
May 27, 2018
I don't know Miss Frances but I want to send my deepest sympathy to you, her parents. Such a beautiful young woman, a ballerina, a scholar. I am so, so sorry.
Linda Moss
May 27, 2018
My prayers and thoughts are with the family at this time. Franny was a beautiful person inside and out.Im going to miss her so much but I will have the memories forever. I love you Franny.
May 26, 2018
We are praying for the two of you this week. Franny was very much loved by everyone she touched each and every day. Isabelle enjoyed the time they spent together in art class. Love, Wendy & Ernie Coward and Isabelle Partain
Henry Dewing
May 25, 2018
There are no words to assuage the horror of the loss of a child, but Frances will not be lost if her memory is held close and treasured. Love and prayers to Laurilyn & Tom. May God grant you the strength to endure this tragedy together.
Darlenia Andrews
May 25, 2018
Praying for peace and comfort during this sad time and in the days ahead. So sorry for your loss.
Chameka Robinson
May 25, 2018
May your many beautiful memories provide you comfort during this difficult time. My prayers are with your family.
Jason Wells
May 25, 2018
I am so sorry for you loss
Treva Womble
May 25, 2018
My heart is broken for you. Treva Womble (Mattie May's daughter)
Naomi Wilson
May 25, 2018
Franny was one of the first people to make me feel welcome at Ballet Mississippi when I first arrived. She never failed to make me laugh and was a constant encourager to me in rehearsals. She was so genuine- such a rare quality. I am absolutely heartbroken over the news and my family and I are praying for you guys constantly during this time.
Peggy Wagner
May 25, 2018
Tom and Laurilyn,
You have my deepest sympathy with the loss of your beautiful and talented daughter. Hope you find some peace and comfort in knowing we care.
Derrick Dyess
May 25, 2018
Tom and Laurilyn, our hearts truly go out to you, and we pray for your peace and comfort. I am very grateful to know both of you, and in that time as we have had events, etc., getting to know Frances Anne as well. Even at a young age, she was ready and willing to be artistic and to help others. She was a truly creative and gifted artist; a very kind and compassionate person; and had a zeal for life and wanted to share it with the world all while encouraging others to do the same. I know her legacy will live on as an inspiration in others. We stand with you both and want you to be encouraged and uplifted. Derrick and the Dyess Family.
Kerry Marshall
May 25, 2018
Sorry for you loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Trisha Webber
May 25, 2018
I did not know your beautiful daughter or you but my heart hurts for your family. I pray for comfort and peace in the days ahead. I am so sorry for your loss and will continue to pray for you.
Jackie Robinson
May 24, 2018
Sorry for your loss
Michele Kavanagh
May 24, 2018
Laurilyn & Tom, we are offering up all of our prayers for your well being during this painful time. We remember Francis Anne for her sweet, spunky, fun loving ways and for her smile. Caitlin danced with her at Cameron and remembers her fondly. God Bless you both. Your Angel is bringing joy to all above.
With deepest sympathy, Michele Kavanagh & the Hochwald family.
John Zehr
May 24, 2018
So terribly sorry for your loss.
Missy Waldrup
May 24, 2018
I just wanted to let yall know how so very very sorry I am for your precious loss. Frances is painting beautiful pictures in Heaven that we will one day see!!! I will continue to pray for strength, peace and comfort in the days ahead. God is holding yall in his arms right now. God loves you!✝
Lesia Hays
May 24, 2018
May God give you a peace that passes any human understanding...my heart hurts for your family and please know that you are in my prayers...
Cynthia Palmer
May 24, 2018
My sincere condolences to the Fortner family.
May 23, 2018
Thinking of your family! I'm so sorry and will be lifting you up in prayers for many days to come! God bless you all!
May 23, 2018
Praying for Frances's family and friends. May God's peace and comfort surround each of you.
Wanda Pearcy
May 23, 2018
It was my joy to teach Franny these past two years and watch her grow in courage and strength, in persistence, in open-mindedness and acceptance, in love for herself and others. I will miss her so much but Im thankful for the memories. My prayers are for your peace and strength, Laurilyn and Tom.
Alana Bowman
May 23, 2018
Tom and Laurilyn, you are walking what must be the most difficult path a parent can travel. I hope knowing we -- your friends, neighbors and coworkers -- are feeling some tiny fraction of your grief will give you comfort. I hope that you do not feel alone. We all give witness to Frances' beauty and talent. Her extraordinary personality shines (still) in the works of art she left with us to enjoy, both in dance and visual arts. She left her mark on the world, a little piece of herself. It is heartbreaking that she was not allowed to be with you...us...the world longer. We will not and we must not forget the brilliance of her life. That much we can give to you.
Sandy Goetzinger-Comer
May 23, 2018
My prayers go out to Tom and Laurilyn, family and friends. I did not know Frances, but I took some time to view her videos and read about her. She was clearly an extremely talented young woman and so deep, artistic and well read. No surprise knowing her talented and loving parents. My heart aches for this loss. She will be remembered and will be with us in spirit!!
Patrick and Grace Casey
May 23, 2018
Our condolences and prayers to the entire family and friends due to this tragic loss. May God comfort you.
May 23, 2018
Prayers and condolences to the famly.
Frances Dallaire
May 23, 2018
Prayers for comfort for the family and and many friends! Thankful she was a part of the JA class of 2018!
Hopeful her artistic capabilities will inspire many in years to come!!!
Vance Wakeland
May 23, 2018
Our prayers and condolences go out to and your family Tom.
Lisa Mccarroll
May 23, 2018
My heart goes out to your entire family, although I did not know your beautiful daughter I could always see by your posts how loved she was.
Stephanie Seymour
May 23, 2018
What a beautiful tribute to an equally beautiful girl. Tom and Laurilyn, my heart is shattered for you. As you find a way to walk through this painful time, I hope that you pull strength from the army of family, friends, co-workers and even strangers who are lifting you up in thoughts and prayers.
Julius Murray
May 23, 2018
We did not know you or your beautiful daughter, but we send our deepest sympathy to all your family. Our hearts go out ton you in the loss of your dear child, and pray for God to comfort you as only He can.
Julius and Bobbie Murray
Kathryn Rodenmeyer
May 23, 2018
She was a special young artist. The community mourns her loss. Our sincerest condolences to her family and friends during this very difficult time.
May 23, 2018
Im incredibly saddened by this turn of events. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Lana Recer Grantham Class 71 CHS.
Barbara Neely
May 23, 2018
Frannie was a joy to teach. I will always remember her with fondness. My heartfelt sympathy for her family and friends.
May 23, 2018
May you find comfort from God
Michelle Mills
May 22, 2018
We were blessed to have her effervescent spirit, creativity, kindness, and love of life in the Class of 2018. Prayers for peace and comfort until you are reunited with that precious girl.
Suzanne Kinard Murray
May 22, 2018
Many prayers and much love from all of us at JA
Ellen J Walker
May 22, 2018
So very sorry for your loss of a beautiful and talented gifted daughter. God has a plan even tho we might not understand now. I grieve and cannot even understand what you are feeling. Love and prayers
Bruce Sumrall
May 22, 2018
What a joy to know. I feel so blessed to have Franny ride with me on the outdoor trip and stand with her as she summoned the courage to jump off that cliff! I will always treasure that weekend!
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