Mrs. Deborah Finch Fortune

Mrs. Deborah Ann Finch-Fortune was born on July 25, 1955, in Sumter County, Georgia to the parentage of the late Mr. Samual Austin of Americus, Georgia and the late Mrs. Clora Theresa Resse Finch of Americus, Georgia. Deborah graduated from Americus High School in the Class of 1973.
After graduation, Deborah enlisted in the United States Navy. While in the Navy, she achieved the rank of E5 Petty Officer Second Class. She did several tours in Norfolk, Virginia, San Diego, California, Hawaii, and Guam, where she served as an Administrative Assistant in the Aviation Division. Deborah was united in matrimony to Mr. Clarence Fortune of Washington, DC.
After serving her time in the United States Navy, Mrs. Fortune received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology from Southern New Hampshire University. She was employed at Martin Marietta of Americus, Habitat for Humanity, and Early Head Start-Sumter Child Development in Americus, Georgia where she served as a Counselor until her health began to fail. Mrs. Fortune started her Christian journey at Perry Grove Baptist Church, and later changed her membership to Allen Chapel AME Church in Americus, Georgia.
Deborah was often described as quiet, smart, witty, caring and devoted to her family and friends. Her favorite color was blue, and she was a Dallas Cowboys fan. On August 28, 2025, Deborah departed this earthly life to be with Christ. She was preceded in death by her great-grandmother, Ms. Bertha Mae Dowdell; grandfather, J.T. Reese; grandmother, Flora Mae Reese who raised her; and her beautiful daughter, Ms. Kori Theresa Fortune all of Americus, Georgia; uncles: Deacon Freddie Reese and Mr. Willie Dice Sr. of Americus, Georgia, and SSGT Johnny Reese of Rochester, New York; her aunt, Ms. Mattie B. Reese-Dice of Americus, Georgia; several cousins who were raised as siblings: Mr. Willie Dice Jr., Mr. Robert Dice, Mr. Fredrick Dice, Mr. Bobby Dice all of Americus, Georgia and Mr. Torryce Dice of Forest Park, Georgia; and sister, Ms. Imogene Dice of Forest Park, Georgia.
Mrs. Deborah Ann Finch-Fortune leaves to cherish her memories, a devoted daughter, Mrs. Kenetra (Jimmy) Monique Asberry of Albany, Georgia; a brother, Chief Eric Reese (Tracy) Finch Sr of Americus, Georgia; sisters: Mrs. Melinda (Charlie) Johnson of Forest Park, Georgia, Ms. Deborah Faye Dice (Charles Gordon) of Americus, Georgia; uncle, Bishop Leonard (Barbara) Williams of West Palm Beach, Florida; aunt, Mrs. Dorothy (Deacon Walter) Bridges of Americus, Georgia; two devoted nephews: Mr. Eric Reese Finch Jr. and Mr. Sage Micheal Finch of Americus, Georgia; her god-mother, Ms. Mamie Gibson of Albany, Georgia, and god-brother, Mr. Kelvin (Deborah) Pless of Americus, Georgia.
Several cousins: Mr. Kibbee Reese of Charlotte, North Carolina, Mr. Shawn Robinson of Americus, Georgia, Ms. Cynthia Reese of Leesburg, Forida, Ms. Judith Reese (JJ) Rice of Palm Bay, Florda; a devoted cousin, Ms. Annie Ruth Reese; three devoted friends: Mrs. Delores (Alvin) Jackson and Mrs. Mary (Mike) Holloway of Americus, Georgia, and Mrs. Mary Dunnum of Albany, Georgia. Other cousins and friends also survive.