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Obituary for Frances "Franny" Anne Fortner
Frances Anne Fortner
JACKSON – Frances Anne Fortner, 18, passed away May 17, 2018, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center following a car accident. She was a beloved daughter and friend, and her spirit was defined by artistry, integrity, laughter and grace.
She was a member of St. James’ Episcopal Church in Jackson, Mississippi, where visitations are planned for Friday, May 25, 5-7 p.m. and Saturday, May 26, at 2 p.m., with the funeral at 3 p.m. Saturday and a reception to follow in St. James’ Fowler Hall.
Frances was born February 26, 2000, in Greenville, North Carolina. She loved to dance and began formal training at age 3. In 2004, the family moved to Gainesville, Florida, where Frances attended public school, made many wonderful friends, and continued to study dance.
After the family moved to Jackson in 2009, Frances joined Ballet Mississippi and became a principal dancer, appearing in many roles and compositions over the years.
She was a student at Jackson Academy, where she was a member of the National Honor Society and a student council representative. She was involved in a number of clubs and community service activities, including as a Sub Deb for the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra. She graduated from JA with honors May 18, and her diploma was accepted by her classmate and best friend, Emma Ward.
Frances was artistically talented and received honors in many school-level and district art competitions. She loved music and was a gifted writer and videographer. During her senior year, she served as editor-in-chief of the JA student newspaper and had been accepted on an academic scholarship to attend the University of Missouri and its prestigious journalism school in the fall.
She loved animals, including her dog Holly and cat Zoey, and she was especially fond of children, who returned her affection in equal measure.
The most important part of her life were her many friends at school, throughout the greater Jackson community and from her time in Florida.
She is survived by her parents, Laurilyn and Tom Fortner of Jackson, and her maternal grandparents, Frances and John Stauffer of Suffolk, Va. Her paternal grandparents, Anne and Charles H. Fortner III of Charleston, S.C., have passed away.
The family expresses its heartfelt thanks to all those who cared about Frances, honor her memory, and have shown them so much love and kindness in their grief.
Donations in Frances’ memory may be made to the Frances Anne Fortner Memorial Scholarship Fund, in care of Jackson Academy, P.O. Box 14978, Jackson, MS 39236, or to the Frances Anne Fortner Ballet Mississippi Scholarship Fund, in care of Ballet Mississippi, P.O. Box 1787, Jackson, MS 39215. These scholarships will be used to aid students who emulate Frances’ values of kindness, diversity and inclusiveness, women’s equality, artistry, and living an authentic life.
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