Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

June 12, 2025

Evelyn LeRoy Fortson, of Charlotte, North Carolina, died on June 12, 2025. She was born on March 30, 1931, in Tignall, Georgia, the daughter of William Grady LeRoy and Bertha Ree Denard LeRoy.

She is survived by her husband, Norman Jasper Fortson; her son, John Myles Fortson, and his wife, Olivia; her daughter, Laura Fortson Elam, and her life partner, Russ Betenbaugh; all of Charlotte.

She is also survived by her sister, Shirley LeRoy Gunter of Washington, Georgia; two nieces, Allison Gunter Hale of Athens, Georgia, and Alicia Gunter Brown of Lula, Georgia.

Evelyn graduated from Tignall High School in 1948. She also earned a Bachelor of Music degree with a major in voice from the Wesleyan Conservatory and School of Fine Arts in Macon, Georgia. She taught vocal music in the public schools of Elberton, Georgia, and later in the Atlanta public schools. She also served as choir director for churches in Georgia and Virginia.

Evelyn was a member of St. John's Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. She taught Sunday School in the children's department for many years and served on various church committees. She worked closely with the Mecklenburg chapter of the American Cancer Society, serving as residential chairman in 1977 and 1978. She also served as president of several garden clubs in Charlotte.

A memorial service will be held at St. John's Baptist Church, 300 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte, NC 28204, on June 23, 2025, at 2:00 PM, with visitation to follow.

Memorials may be made to the Evelyn LeRoy Fortson Endowment Scholarship Fund, Wesleyan College, 4760 Forsyth Road, Macon, Georgia 31210-4462, or to St. John's Baptist Church, 300 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte, NC 28204.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.