After a courageous battle with cancer, Linda Sue Magee Fortenberry, age 85 went home to be with her Lord on January 27, 2024.
Linda was born to Wilton and Catherine Magee on November 20, 1938. As a resident of Salem, she graduated from Salem High School where she excelled at sports, particularly known for her basketball skills. On September 12, 1959, she married Wyatt Fortenberry and made a home in Bogalusa, Louisiana. Linda was a homemaker in various talented ways. She always had a garden filled with flowers, fruits, and vegetables which she generously shared with family and friends. She volunteered to be a leader in Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts as she whole heartedly supported her children. When her children's elementary school needed volunteers to create a physical activity program, Linda and Evelyn Breland organized fun physical activities for all the school kids. Her children's friends knew they were always welcome at her home for the day or night. She always showed her love to friends and family with her renowned home cooked meals. Her love of sports continued as her children grew older, she became a Scouting Explorer Post leader establishing co-ed Post 182. Her post attained second place at the Explorer Post Olympics in 1980.
During her life in Bogalusa, she made many lifelong friends and learned to play tennis and golf. Through her love of tennis and golf, she became known as one of the toughest competitors. She shared her passion and knowledge of the sport by teaching and coaching. Her intensive competitive spirit led her to many trophies. Her greatest achievement in sports was when in 1977, she and Ken Ridgdell competed in the National Tennis Lipton's Mixed Doubles Championship. She played a match against Roy Barth and Roscoe Tanner, after reaching the finals. It was one of the highlights of her life. Tanner was known for having the hardest serve in professional tennis. During the match, she asked him was he taking it easy on her and if he was, she told him he should not be and to give her his best.
As the years progressed, she and Wyatt moved back home to Tylertown, where she converted her love of sports to taking care of her grandchildren. She enjoyed watching her grandkids play football, basketball, and baseball. She never missed a game. While living in Tylertown, she was very active in activities with New Zion Baptist Church. She helped with vacation bible school and cooked for various church events.
Just as Linda was a competitor in sports, she energetically dedicated the rest of her life to caring for her family. Words didn't come easy, but her actions always showed how deeply she loved those in her life.
Linda is survived by her son Michael (Stephenie) Fortenberry; daughter Terri (Waylon) Prevost; grandson Colter Fortenberry; grandson Grayson (Nikki) Fortenberry; great grandson Cooper Fortenberry; sister Peggy London; sister Mary Magee; sister-in-law Elaine Stogner Magee, sister-in-law Joyce Fortenberry Evans and numerous nieces and nephews.
Linda was preceded in death by her husband Wyatt Fortenberry, her parents Wilton and Catherine Wood Magee, brother John I. Magee, brother-in-law Willis Fortenberry, sister-in-law Doris Davis Fortenberry, brother-in-law Fred Evans, brother-in-law Doyle London, and daughter-in-law Diane Mielke Fortenberry.
The family greatly appreciates and thanks the many friends who had her in their prayers.
In lieu of a funeral service, the family will have a Celebration of Life at New Zion Baptist Church in Tylertown, Mississippi at 10:30 AM on Saturday, February 24. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the church.
