Evelyn J. Torrence

Obituary: - Jeanette Fortson Torrence, age 77, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 2, 2014 at Gordon Hospice House, Statesville, NC after a brief illness. She was born January 11, 1937 in Madison County, Georgia, the daughter of the late Alson Edmond Fortson, Sr. and Hester Elizabeth Bruce Fortson. Jeanette was employed with the former Cannon Mills Company, Plant Four, Weave Room for fifteen years until she entered the ministry with her husband. She was an active, supportive pastor's wife for forty-four years. Jeanette had a strong faith in God, was a devoted prayer warrior, and everyone around her knew that the Lord came first in her life. Her family fondly remembers her love of fishing, bird-watching, cooking, and reading. She was especially a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Howard D. Torrence who died February 18, 2013; one brother, Bruce Fortson; and a grandchild, Jeremy Shane Torrence. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Monday, August 4, 2014 at Whitley's Funeral Home Main Chapel, Kannapolis, NC officiated by Rev. David Walters and Rev. Billy Carey. Burial will follow at Carolina Memorial Park, Kannapolis, NC. The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 2:00 P.M. Monday at the funeral home prior to the service. Survivors include her children, one daughter, Sherry Walters & husband, David of Statesville, NC; Drew Torrence & wife, Lynn of China Grove, NC; Rev. James A. Torrence & wife, Tami of Denver, NC; Jeremy D. Torrence & wife, April of Lincolnton, NC; fifteen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; five sisters, Bertie Upright, Merle Upright, Donnie Smith, Brenda Brewer, and Cindy Riley, all of Kannapolis, NC; and three brothers, Eddie Fortson, Jr. and Henry Fortson, both of Kannapolis, NC, and Kenneth Fortson of Denton, NC. Memorials may be made to Mt. Sinai Evangelical Methodist Church, 306 Fairmount Road, Statesville, NC 28625 or Thomp son Chapel EMC, 7465 Forney Hill Road, Denver, NC 28037. On-line condolences may be left at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com.
Visitation: 12:00-2:00 P.M. Monday August 4, 2014 Whitley's Funeral Home

Service: 2:00 P.M. Monday August 4, 2014 Whitley's Funeral Home Chapel

Interment: Carolina Memorial Park