Jeanetta Buchanan Fortner, age 86, of Burnsville, entered her heavenly home on Sunday, January 25, 2026.
Born on August 21, 1939, at the former Bakersville medical clinic, Jeanetta was the daughter of Jesse and Alberta Whaley Buchanan. A devoted Christian, she lived a life rooted in faith, service, and compassion, consistently placing the needs of others before her own. Family was the center of her life and her greatest joy.
Jeanetta was affectionately known as “Mom-Mom” to her grandchildren and to many of their friends, all of whom she welcomed with open arms. She was well known throughout the community for her kindness, warm spirit, and generosity. She never met a stranger and had a remarkable way of making everyone feel loved and valued.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Alberta Buchanan; her brothers, Jacob, Robert, and Harold; and her daughter, Denise Hilemon and a son in law; Lynn Brown.
She is survived by her daughters, Deidra Tipton (Billy) of Hickory and Linda Gail Brown of Baltimore; son in law Rev. Roger Hilemon; her sisters, Loretta Robinson, MaryEtta Gurley, and Thelma Ann Hoilman; brother Clarence Buchanan; her nine grandchildren, Mikie, Tina, Melissa, Billy, James, LynnAnn, Trisha, Dustin, and Katie; ten great-grandchildren; and a large extended family including cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.
A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home, with Pastor Doug Bare officiating.
Interment will follow the service at Morning Star Baptist Church Cemetery, Burnsville, North Carolina.
Pallbearers: Michael Kemp Jr., William Browning III, James Browning, Dustin Browning, Brian Jones, and Justin Penland.
Honorary pallbearers will be Roger Hilemon, Billy Tipton, and Garrett Styles.
While Jeanetta loved flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Compassionate Care on Georges Fork Road or Morning Star Baptist Church.
Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home is respectfully serving the Fortner family.
