Patricia Fortenberry Ward, of Columbia, Mississippi, passed away on Monday, December 15, 2025, at the age of 71. She was born in Marion County to Charles and Elsie Fortenberry. Patricia has lived in numerous places around the Southeast and moved back home in 2012. She was a very private person who found pleasure in the simple things in life. She was a prolific reader, she enjoyed watching Halmark movies on TV, she enjoyed diamond dots, and going to the casinos. Patricia will be remembered as a loving mother, sister, and friend.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Charlie Fortenberry. Patricia is survived by her son, Jon Loftin (Rebecca); a sister, Betty Jo Childress (Mike); a brother, Philip Fortenberry; four grandchildren, Breann Loftin, Alexandria Loftin, Holly Coats, and Jimmy Lingefelt; and eight great-grandchildren.
The services for Patricia will be private.
