Ms. Mary Patricia Fortson, age 83, passed away October 14, 2023. She was born on July 8, 1940 in Columbus, Georgia to William Boyd Fortson and Mary Jeannette Rainey Fortson.

Ms. Fortson was a resident of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. She was Catholic by faith and a member of St. Rita Catholic Church. She graduated from Columbus High School in 1958. She also graduated from the University of Georgia, receiving her bachelor's and master's degree in education and also received her teaching certificate from the State of Georgia. She then worked at Florida State University at the Institute of Human Development as well as the lab school. She also worked with the State of Florida in licensing child day cares and administrator of food nutrition management before retiring. She later served as director of the Board of Food and Nutrition.

Ms. Fortson was preceded in death by her father and mother.

Ms. Fortson is survived by her brother William Boyd Fortson and wife Betsy of Columbus, Georgia; two sisters: Nan Fortson O'Connor and husband Mack of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, and Sarah Glenn Fortson of Clayton, Georgia

Memorial Mass will be held at Saint Rita Catholic Church at 10:00 AM, Monday, October 23, 2023 with Father Michael Hartley followed by a reception in the Family Life Center

Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary; 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, Georgia 31907.

Private burial will be held at a later date at Park Hill Cemetery in Columbus, Georgia.