Deborah J. "Sis" Fortner, 61 years, of Monroe, MI went home to be with the Lord on Monday, March 17, 2014 in Toledo, OH. Debbie had been in declining health for 3 years.
Born June 1, 1952 in Detroit, MI, Debbie was the daughter of the late Herman and Betty R. (Pendelton) Ayers. Debbie was a 1971 graduate of Monroe High School.
On March 9, 1968 Debbie married her beloved husband Jerry W. Fortner in Monroe.
Debbie was employed as a bus driver for Monroe Public Schools for 33 years, retiring in 2009.
Debbie was a member of Moose Lodge # 884 in Monroe and attended Monroe Missionary Baptist Church. She enjoyed shooting pool. Along with working as a bus driver, Debbie was also a wonderful homemaker and enjoyed cooking and caring for her family.
Debbie is survived by her beloved husband of 46 years, Jerry, two loving children: Jerry "Bo" W. (Stephanie) Fortner, II, of Monroe and Stacy L. (Michael) Foerster of Valencia, CA, two cherished grandchildren: Melainey Jane and Mattie Louise, and two brothers: Douglas and Daniel Ayers both of Monroe.
Visitation will be held on Thursday from 1-8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, MI 48161. On Friday, March 21, 2014 she will lie in state at Monroe Missionary Baptist Church from 10:00 AM until funeral services celebrating her life at 11:00 AM. Rev. Roy Southerland, pastor of the church, will officiate. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.