Jean Fortenbury passed away on November 01, 2023, in Dallas, Texas at the age of 92. She was born on December 09, 1930, in Hunt County, Texas. Jean was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother.
Jean was kind and thoughtful person who always put her family first. She was a dedicated home manager and caregiver, she was always there for family members in times of need. Jean took great pride in starting Merry Maids and building the franchise into a successful business in the Dallas Metroplex with her son Mike.
In her free time Jean was an avid reader. She would spend hours in Half Price Books picking out books she wanted to read. She actually had to carry a list of books she had read, so she didn’t accidently repurchase something she had already read. She also loved cooking and cake decorating. She loved writing letters and cards to her friends and loved ones, making sure they knew they were always in her thoughts or prayers. Sometimes just a simple birthday card can make a difference to someone, she use to say.
Jean is survived by her three sisters, Nelda Barker, Marita Wilson, Vita Givens and her husband, Leonard; son, Jeff Fortenbury; six grandchildren and their spouses; eleven great-grandchildren and their spouses; and one great-great-grandchild. Jean had a special place in her heart for her many nieces and nephews and always made an effort to stay in touch with them. She loved her family deeply.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Mable Julian; her brothers, Jerrel, Ted, Billy, Ray and Clifton (Dickey) Julian; and her sister, Doris Snider; her husband, Pete; their son, David and his wife, Sherryl and her sons, Dan and Mike.
Jean graduated from Commerce High School and was a member of The Oaks Baptist Church in Grand Prairie, Texas.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, November 6, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the chapel of Coker-Mathews Funeral Home with Dr. Bill White officiating. Burial will follow at Sonora Cemetery. Visitation will be held at 10:30 a.m. until service time.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to be made to the American Kidney Fund of Dallas. Alternatively, you may call to have them pick up gently used items that are no longer or used or needed, as they always appreciate any kind of help. They can be reached at 214/275-8808.
Jean Julian Fortenbury will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
May she rest in eternal peace.
