Lucille Fortson

Lucille Fortson was born on January 3, 1929 in Wildsville, Louisiana to the late John and Media Owens. She attended Catahoula Parrish Training School in Jonesville, Louisiana and graduated with her High School diploma. In 1951, Lucille took the train to Seattle, Washington and was escorted by her Aunt Charity Wiggins. Lucille met the love of her life, Mr. Melvin Fortson, Sr. in 1953 in Seattle, Washington and they were united in holy matrimony the same year. Mother Lucille Fortson was called home peacefully surrounded by her loving family on July 10, 2019. Lucille was preceded in death by her parents, John and Media Owens; her maternal grandmother, Mary James Wilkerson; her grandfather, William Finister; her devoted husband of 33 years, Mr. Melvin Fortson, Sr.; and her grandson, Mychael Dean Alexander.

She leaves a legacy of love to cherish her memories which include: her children, three sons, Melvin (Chris) Fortson, Jr. of Houston, Texas, Michael (Tanja) Fortson of Houston, Texas, and Tremont Hamm of Seattle, Washington; eight daughters, Dottie (Larry) Banks, Evelyn (Ronald) Alexander, Media Ann (Paul) Davis, Alfreda Fortson, Dawn (Darren) Reliford, Lillian Baker of Shreveport, Louisiana, Denise Tivis of Los Angeles, California, and Lynette Fortson of Los Angeles, California; 16 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, her life-long best friend and prayer partner, Deaconess Ruth Hendrix, two adopted daughters, Ressa Walls of Seattle, Washington, and Minister Gloria (Michael) Oliver-Parham of Petersburg, Virginia; a host of cousins, extended family members and friends.

Public Viewing will be held at Evergreen Washelli, 11111 Aurora Avenue North in Seattle on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Her Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the New Hope Baptist Church, 124 – 21st Avenue, Seattle, Washington. There will be viewing prior to the service from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Interment will be at Evergreen Washelli, 11111 Aurora Avenue North, Seattle, Washington.