Childersburg, AL. - It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Michelle Rena Fortenbury, loving wife, mother, and Mimi Shell, who peacefully passed away at home on Monday, March 3, 2025, at the age of 57.
Michelle was born on May 22, 1967, in Thomaston, Georgia to Bobbie and Billie Jean Callahan. She relocated to Alabama, where she graduated from Childersburg High School in 1985 and went on to complete her studies at Alexander City State Junior College in 1987. In 1988, Michelle married the love of her life, Dale, and became a proud mother to her only daughter, Kasi, in 1989.
Throughout her life, Michelle worked in various retail positions, from a cashier clerk at Walmart to a Front End Manager at Winn Dixie, where she built close-knit friendships with coworkers who became family.
Michelle had a passion for creativity that touched every aspect of her life. She was known for her thoughtful and loving gestures, from baking birthday cakes for friends and family to sewing baby blankets for her grandchildren. In recent years, she spent her days fishing with Dale, FaceTiming with her grandchildren, and passionately cheering on her Auburn Tigers.
Michelle’s spirit was filled with love, kindness, and warmth, and she leaves behind an enduring legacy of family, friendship, and creativity.
Michelle was survived by her husband, Dale, of 37 years; daughter, Kasi Jarvis and son-in-law, Jason Jarvis, grandson, Christopher Jarvis, granddaughter, Zoey Jarvis; sister-in-law, Christy McDonald, brother-in-law, Brad McDonald, nieces, Sierra (Michael) Andrews and Destiny McDonald; sister, Susan McGrady, nephew, Nathan McGrady; step-brother, Robbie Callahan, step-sister, Dee C. Brantley, step-brother, Chris Callahan, along with many cousins including Rachel Bassett Pooley (Todd), Cindy Bassett Heptinstall, and Jarrett ‘Sarge’ Ledford.
Michelle was preceded in death by her brother, Rusty McCormick, her mother, Billie Jean Callahan, her grandparents, Claude and Loren Bassett, as well as her aunt, Carol Ledford.
Rest easy, Shell Bell. War Eagle, and we will love you forever.
A visitation for Michelle will be held Friday, March 7, 2025 from 12:00 until 2:00 p.m. at Radney-Smith Funeral Home, 320 North Elm Avenue, Sylacauga, Alabama 35150, followed by a 3:00 p.m. graveside service at Kahatchee Cemetery, 2290 Kahatchee Loop, Childersburg, AL 35044 at 3:00 p.m. with Bro. David Vick officiating.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/sylacauga-al/radney-smith-funeral-home/8516.
Radney-Smith Funeral Home will direct the service.
