Laura Clydette Fortner, age 66, of Burnsville went home to be with the Lord on Friday, April 8th, 2022. A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Clyde Edwards and Laura Riddle Wilson. Laura was also preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Dennis “Denny” Fortner, who passed away in 2019. Laura was a well-known master seamstress who spent years altering and creating one-of-a-kind wedding gowns, formal gowns and clothing for clients all over the states. She and her husband, Denny, made wooden toys for children for numerous years. Her greatest accomplishment, however, was being a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to her loving family.
Surviving is her son, John Fortner, and wife, Donna; a daughter, Dennise Nicole “Nikki” Loftis, and husband, Matt; eight grandchildren: Cherith Loftis Murdock (Levi), Chaleigh Loftis, Caydeigh Loftis, Camille Loftis, Allie Fortner Phillips (Daniel), Elizabeth Fortner, Jeremiah Fortner and Joshua Fortner; two great-grandsons: Kayden Mitchell Murdock and Cowen Levi Murdock; two great-granddaughters on the way: Lori Kay Phillips and Cora Laine Murdock; three brothers: Howard Arnold (Michelle), Glenn Edwards (Rita), and Kevin Edwards (Sherri); and a sister, Tammy Hall (Ronnie).
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 10th, 2022 in the chapel of Yancey Funeral Services with the Rev. Preston Riddle and Rev. Ken Jenkins officiating. Burial will follow in the Micaville Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. in the chapel prior to the services. To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneral.com.
