Mrs. Sally Fortson McLemore, 86, of Macon, Georgia and recently Rome, Georgia passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 14, 2024, surrounded by family. Sally was born on January 28, 1937, in Atlanta, Georgia. The daughter of the late Clyde Marion Fortson, Jr., and Elizabeth Cooper Fortson, she grew up in Atlanta, attended Druid Hills High School, and graduated from Agnes Scott College in 1957.
Sally was married to John Arnold Wurz for fourteen years and later to James Richard McLemore Sr. for thirty-two years, both of whom are deceased.
Sally initially worked as schoolteacher until she transitioned to fashion as the owner of the beloved women’s dress shop, Pappagallo and children’s dress shop, Calloway Carrousel in Ingleside Village. During this time, she also served on several charitable boards in Macon including her favorite, The Salvation Army where the annual Christmas drive became one of her favorite volunteer activities. Sally dedicated countless hours delivering food boxes and toys to those in need. She served on the board of the Salvation Army for more than 30 years eventually turning volunteer work into a career as The Macon Salvation Army’s Development Director. While working in development, Sally realized Macon lacked a shelter for battered women and children. Working with a wonderful group of philanthropic community leaders, Crisis Line & Safe House of Central Georgia began in 2005. Sally was also a member of The Career Women's Network which recognized her as “Woman of the Year” in 2010. When not lending a hand to those in need or helping Macon’s community find the latest fashions, Sally loved to play bridge with friends. She was an active member of The First Presbyterian Church in Macon and enjoyed worshiping at The First Presbyterian Church of Rome during her last few years.
Sally is survived by her four children, James Richard McLemore, Jr. (Ellen), Valli McLemore Maddux (Gene), Susan McLemore Manning (Tommy), and Jay Richard McLemore (Sue); a brother, Clyde M Fortson Jr. (June); and a sister, Martha Fortson Scheffler (Ron, deceased). A great joy was also her grandchildren and great granddaughters, Martha Easton McLemore (Will) and their daughter Helen Hensley England, Annie McLemore Reeves (Clinton), James Richard McLemore III, William Thomas McLemore, Elizabeth Cooper Maddux, Katherine Maddux Raley (Andrew), Sarah Manning Keene (Jackson) and their daughter Anne Parson Keene, Thomas Hunter Manning, Jr. (Amelia), Joseph Franklin Manning, Joshua Jay McLemore, Seth Allen McLemore, and Ann Dossett McLemore.
Sally was loved deeply by her family and friends who have fond memories of a life well lived. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, January 22, at 1:00 p.m. at Snow’s Memorial Chapel, Bass Road. Rev. Chip Miller will officiate. The family will greet friends following the service and asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Crisis Line and Safe House of Central Georgia, 915 Hill Park, Macon, Georgia 31201. The family also would like to extend its deepest gratitude to the caregivers at The Renaissance Marquis and Heyman Hospice Care of Rome, Georgia.
Snow's Memorial Chapel, Bass Road, has charge of arrangements.
