Jeanetta "Buchanan" Fortner

Jeanetta Buchanan Fortner, age 86, of Burnsville, entered her heavenly home on Sunday, January 25, 2026. Born on August 21, 1939, at the former Bakersville medical clinic, Jeanetta was the daughter of Jesse and Alberta Whaley Buchanan. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her brothers, Jacob, Robert, and Harold; her daughter, Denise Hilemon; and a son-in-law, Lynn Brown.

A devoted Christian, she lived a life rooted in faith, service, and compassion, consistently placing the needs of others before her own. Family was the center of her life and her greatest joy. Jeanetta was affectionately known as "Mom-Mom" to her grandchildren and to many of their friends, all of whom she welcomed with open arms. She was well known throughout the community for her kindness, warm spirit, and generosity. She never met a stranger and had a remarkable way of making everyone feel loved and valued.

She is survived by her daughters, Deidra Tipton (Billy) of Hickory and Linda Gail Brown of Baltimore; son in law Rev. Roger Hilemon; her sisters: Loretta Robinson, MaryEtta Gurley, and Thelma Ann Hoilman; brother, Clarence Buchanan; her nine grandchildren: Mikie, Tina, Melissa, Billy, James, LynnAnn, Trisha, Dustin, and Katie; ten great-grandchildren; and a large extended family including many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 7th, 2026, from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home in Burnsville, NC. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home, with Pastor Doug Bare officiating. Interment will follow the service at Morning Star Baptist Church Cemetery in Burnsville, NC. The Pallbearers will be Michael Kemp Jr., William Browning III, James Browning, Dustin Browning, Brian Jones, and Justin Penland. The Honorary Pallbearers will be Roger Hilemon, Billy Tipton, and Garrett Styles.

While Jeanetta loved flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Compassionate Care on Georges Fork Road or Morning Star Baptist Church.

Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home is respectfully serving the Fortner family.