Nancy E. Fortenbery

Having led one of the bravest and most noble of lives, Nancy Louise Edwards Fortenbery died September 12, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Charlotte, NC. She was born in Greer, SC on October 10, 1953, the daughter of the late Sam John Edwards and Marcelle Greenway Edwards of Salisbury, NC.

Growing up, Nancy’s family moved around the Southeast quite frequently eventually settling in Salisbury, NC in 1965. Having to acclimate to new places, people, and schools taught her the value of creating lasting friendships, something she carried with her until her final days. She simply, “never met a stranger.”

During her childhood, Nancy was heavily involved in Girl Scouts earning more than 20 merit badges. She attended Boyden Senior High School in Salisbury, where she was very active in clubs, school activities, and was a member of the cheerleading team. After graduating from high school, she fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse by attending the Presbyterian School of Nursing, where she earned her RN in 1974.

While working full-time as a registered nurse, she continued her education at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1989. She spent 18 years at Presbyterian Hospital, many of them as a head nurse of medical unit 3C, making a positive impact on countless lives of patients and colleagues alike. Nancy was a devout member of Pritchard Memorial Baptist Church for 44 years where she served as a deacon and was a member in the Free Spirits Sunday School class.

But Nancy’s passions extended beyond her career. She adored her boys – Davey, Sam, Andy, and John, and they were the center of her universe. When needing solace, she always found retail therapy quite effective…especially in her quest to be the best dressed lady in the room, as well as the hostess with the mostest. She was a prolific writer of cards and notes. Remnants of the confetti that fell out when her cards were opened can still be found in many houses to this day. She had a great affinity for old black and white TV shows, especially comedies, and I Love Lucy.

Over the years Nancy found that laughter, indeed was her best medicine. Having a delightful, and robust sense of humor, she loved laughter; it didn’t matter if it was with her husband, sons, family, or friends – Nancy loved to laugh and loved to make people laugh.

She was known for her kindness, compassion, and overall positive outlook on life despite dealing with a multitude of health problems for over 36 years, which led to her early retirement from nursing. Many would have struggled to move forward and live the best life possible, but not Nancy. She was a fighter and displayed a fierce and incredible strength and resiliency until her last breath.

Left behind to cherish and honor her memory are her beloved husband John David Fortenbery; her sons Sam Robert Fortenbery and wife, Ellen of Charlotte; Andrew Beckham Fortenbery of Charlotte; John Daron Fortenbery and wife, Julie of Owings, MD, and her treasured sister, Jane Edwards Crenshaw and husband, Jim of Knightdale, NC.

Nancy was “Grancy” to her four grandchildren, all of whom she adored, nurtured, and encouraged: Connor David Fortenbery of St. Louis, MO; Ella Marie Fortenbery of Durham, NC; Addison Starr Fortenbery of Hanover, NH; Andrew Beckham Fortenbery Jr. of Charlotte, NC.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Nancy Fortenbery will be held Friday, October 4, 2024, at Pritchard Memorial Baptist Church at 1:00PM with the Rev. Bobby Morrow and Rev. Stan Heiser officiating, and a reception in the church fellowship hall afterward.

The family expresses their deepest gratitude to the staff of the Intensive Care Unit at Mercy Hospital for their compassionate care of Nancy during her final week, as well as the countless other medical professionals and individuals (Martha, Gwen, and Athena) who cared for her over the years.

Memorials may be made to the Lupus Foundation of America, North Carolina Chapter or charity of your choice.