Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, at Palestine Baptist Church in Oakvale,  for Miss Earnestine Fortenberry, 56, who died Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023, at Wesley Medical Center in Hattiesburg.  Rev. Micheal Evans officiated with interment following in the church cemetery.  Johnson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Miss Fortenberry was born in Jefferson Davis County to the late Joe Dale and Joyce Fortenberry.  She graduated from Prentiss High School and was employed at Lawrence County Elementary School cafeteria and Triangle Cafe for a number of years. She was a member of Palestine Baptist Church; she enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

She is survived by two daughters, Chienka (Murphy) Peyton and Chiquita (Anthony) Otis; son, Omarion Fortenberry; eight grandchildren; six brothers, Wardell Fortenberry, Joe (Tammy) Fortenberry, Ron Fortenberry, Dale (Lisa) Fortenberry, Onett Lott and Larry (Cheryl) Stringer; three sisters, Sarah Fortenberry, Jerry (Darren) Sanders and Melissa (Donald) Weathersby and many other relatives and friends.