Lillian Fortenberry Pace, age 89 passed away peacefully on September 5, 2016 in Ocean Springs, MS.  Lillian was born May 29, 1927. She lived in Prentiss most of her life, residing in Ocean Springs for the past two and a half years.  She was the daughter of William Deloach and Eva Elizabeth Stringer Fortenberry.

Lillian was a devoted wife, loving mother, nurturing grandmother and great grandmother.  She served as the church hostess at Prentiss Baptist Church in Prentiss, MS for over twenty-five years.  Lovingly known as “Granny,” Lillian cared for, cooked and entertained her family and friends.  She was an exceptional seamstress and loved working in her garden.  Her hospitality was known by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of over sixty-five years, Spurgeon Eugene (Gene) Pace; son, Jerry Wayne Pace; daughter, Mary Elizabeth Pace Hurst and grandson, Jeremy Brent Pace.  Her eleven brothers and sisters, Van Fortenberry, Frank Fortenberry, John Sharp Fortenberry, Marguritte (Sis) Fortenberry, W D (Buck) Fortenberry, Grace Fortenberry Odum, Charles Fortenberry, Mary Alice (Judy) Fortenberry Langston, Faye Fortenberry Daniels, Robert Lynn Fortenberry and Gerald Berry Fortenberry.

Mrs. Pace is survived by her daughter, Anna Pace Hurt (Ed) of Ocean Springs, MS; son-in-law, Robert Bruce (Bobby) Hurst; seven grandchildren, Jana Hurt Grenn and fiancée Matt Ely, Jessica Hurt Maholm (Paul), Jerrick Pace (Kristin), Candace Hurst, Amanda Hurst Guidry (Daniel), and Billy Hurst and fiancée Whitney, and twelve great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Service was held Thursday, September 8, 2016 at 11:00 am at Saulters-Moore Funeral Home in Prentiss, MS.  Interment followed at Bethany Cemetery in Prentiss.  Saulters-Moore Funeral Home of Prentiss was in charge of all arrangements.

Rev. Ben James and Rev. Jesse Holloway officiated. Pallbearers were: Danny Lyn Daniels, David Fortenberry, Lawrence Fortenberry, Larry Odum, Dan Pace, Jim Pace and Paul Pace. Honorary bearers were: William Fortenberry and Robert (Buster) Pace.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Association or to Prentiss Baptist Church.  Special thanks for the loving care provided by Hospice of Life, the staff of Ocean Springs Hospital, Shirley Daniels, Carol Dykes, Joyce Speights, Liz Brossett, Melanie Givens, Southern Care Hospice, and the staff of The Gardens Senior Living in Ocean Springs.