Mary Holmes Fortenberry, 82, of Magnolia, MS, peacefully entered her eternal home in Heaven on October 24, 2026. She was born in New Orleans, LA, on December 9, 1943, to the late Ed and Lucille Holmes. Mary was a faithful servant of the Lord, devoted wife, loving mother, and MawMaw.

She graduated from Magnolia High School and Southwest Mississippi Community College. She worked as a secretary at Eisworth Motors, as a bank teller at Bank of McComb, and as a substitute teacher at Osyka Elementary before becoming a homemaker.

Mary exuded the love of Christ to everyone she met and was known for her kind, sweet, and gentle nature. She was an active member of Bluff Springs Baptist Church until her health declined, teaching Sunday School for many years. She loved music and singing in the choir and had a beautiful voice. She led the children’s choir and taught and directed Vacation Bible School for many years. She also coordinated a Senior Adult Luncheon at the church, held monthly for several years, allowing the Senior Citizens to come together for a meal and fellowship. She also served as the Church Treasurer for many years. She was a woman of deep faith whose life touched countless others.

She is survived by her children, Carroll L. Fortenberry Jr. (Heather) of Magnolia and Carl Fortenberry (Courtney) of Hattiesburg; her grandchildren, John David Fortenberry (Lauren) of Hattiesburg, Hadley Fortenberry Barone (Dominic) of Hattiesburg, Colby Fortenberry (Delanie) of Magnolia, Caleb Fortenberry (Lily) of Hattiesburg, Keely Fortenberry of Magnolia, and Max Fortenberry of Hattiesburg; her great-grandchildren, Bentley, Hattie and Titus and two baby boys arriving in February 2027; brother, Mike Holmes (Cherry), of McComb; sister in law Doris Holmes of Franklinton, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of over fifty years, Carroll L. Fortenberry Sr.; her parents, James Ed and Lucille Thornhill Holmes; one daughter, Mary Lisa Fortenberry; and two brothers, James E. Holmes and Richard Holmes.

Services will be held Wednesday October 28, 2026, at Bluff Springs Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. Rev. John Alexander, Rev. John David Fortenberry and Rev. Lance Cutrer will officiate and burial will follow at Bluff Springs Cemetery under the direction of Hartman-Jones Funeral Home of McComb.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Haley Hogan for her kindness, compassion and care. The family also extends its sincere appreciation to the staff of Aston Court Assisted Living for the exceptional care they provided.

Pallbearers will be John David Fortenberry, Colby Fortenberry, Caleb Fortenberry, Max Fortenberry, Jessie Holmes, Casey Holmes, and Eddie Holmes.

Honorary pallbearers will be Mel Fortenberry and Troy Fortenberry.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bluff Springs Cemetery Fund at 5027 Magnolia- Progress Rd, Magnolia, MS 39652.