Josephine (Fortner) Moore

     Ms. Sara Josephine Fortner Moore, 81, of Bryson City, NC went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 4, 2018.  Ms. Josephine was born in Bryson City on May 27, 1937 to the late Elijah and Nota Belle Baines Fortner, Sr.

     She was a member of East Alarka Baptist Church in Bryson City, NC for 66 years and enjoyed attending the Senior Ladies Sunday school class at Ridgeland Baptist Church in Ridgeland, SC, where she was active until her health declined. Sister Josephine loved singing Southern Gospel music and sang alto with two Southern Gospel quartets for approximately thirty-five years.  She worked as a homemaker and was a loving sister, mother, grandmother and a devoted friend.

     Ms. Josephine is survived by one son, Gary Moore (Joan); one daughter, Janet Heisel (Jeff); two brothers, Johnny Fortner (Pat) and Roger Fortner (Connie); one sister, Lois Crisp (Ray); three grandchildren, Melissa Allard (Chris), JeanAnn Howell (Will) and Amanda Heisel; one sister-in-law, Marian Fortner; and a host of nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her husband of 41 years, George Moore; two brothers, Jr. Fortner and Jack Fortner; and one sister, “Mackie” Fortner.  During Ms. Josephine's decline in health, she had many of her family and friends to stay with her and uplift her daily.  We want to give a special mention to Ms. Tracy Boone and thank her for her love, compassion and tender care she showed to Ms. Josephine and her family.

     A visitation will be held from 6:00 - 7:00 PM, on Tuesday, August 7, 2018, with Words of Comfort at 7:00 PM at Vaigneur Funeral Home, 6802 Tillman Road, Ridgeland, SC.  A visitation will be held from 6:00 - 8:00 PM, on Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at Crisp Funeral Home, 669 Highway 19 South, Bryson City, NC.  Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, on Thursday, August 9, 2018 at East Alarka Baptist Church,  577 E. Alarka Rd., Bryson City, NC with burial following in Brendle Hill Cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN  38148-0142.

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