Joyce L. Fortner

Bartow- Joyce L. Fortner, age 71, died Monday, December 15, 2008, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center of respiratory failure. Mrs. Fortner was born May 25, 1937 in Bartow and has been a lifelong resident. She was a telephone operator and receptionist for many years. She was a member of Peace Creek Baptist Church of Bartow and was active with the Women's Missionary Union of the Florida Baptist Convention, She served as Associational WMU Director, the VBS Team, Mission Friends Leadership Team and sponsor for Florida Baptist Children's Home. She participted in several mission trips in the United States and Africa. She is survived by her husband: Thomas Fortner of Bartow; daughter: Jane & husband Paul Riddle of Denton TX; son: Tim Fortner of Bartow; sisters: Uneta & husband Gordon Fortner of Rudy AR; Jerry & husband David Mooneyham of Temple Terrace; LaVerne & Husband Mac McCall of Bartow; brother: Venson "Bud" & wife Helen Flowers and many neices & nephews. Family will receive friends Thursday, December 18, 2008, 6-8 pm at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home, Bartow. Funeral services will be held Friday, December 19, at 2:00 pm at Peace Creek Baptist Church, Bartow. Contributions can be made to Florida Baptist Children's Home, P.O. Box 8190, Lakeland, FL 33802 or the International Mission Board (c/o Lottie Moon Offering, PO Box 6767, Richmond, VA 23230. Condolences to family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com