Elizabeth Waller "Betty" Fortenberry

Mrs. Elizabeth (Betty) Waller Fortenberry, 74, born January 2, 1947 in Chattanooga, TN. Passed away November 16, 2021, at home due to complications with Alzheimer’s Battle

She was of Baptist faith. She is preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Alice Waller of Chattanooga, TN.

Elizabeth is survived by her husband of 51 years, Kent Fortenberry; son, Kevin Douglas (Amber) Fortenberry; and granddaughter, Hayden.

Elizabeth was a graduate of Brainerd High School in 1965. She received her Bachelor Degree from UT of Chattanooga in Business Education in 1969. After graduating from UTC, she worked for TVA. And later taught various subjects in the Hamilton County School System, with her final stop at Lookout Valley High School.

In 1975, Elizabeth received her Master’s Degree also in Business Education from MTSU in Murfreesboro, TN.

Elizabeth was a professionally trained pianist with Cadek Conservatory of Music. She was trained by Evelyn Gibbs and other musicians well known in Chattanooga.

She was a long time church pianist and organist with local churches. Active for years at Brainerd Baptist where she met and married her husband in 1973.

She loved to cook and throw dinner parties. Her entire family will miss her home cooked meals, her generosity in reaching out to help others, and her pleasant smile and sense of humor.

While living in Nashville, TN for 20 years Elizabeth was an active Sunday School Teacher and assisted in the music ministry of various Baptist Churches.

In the Brentwood/Franklin area Elizabeth was passionate about helping others in education. For several years, she was a life coach and operated the training center, Elizabeth Fortenberry School of Business.

Elizabeth was also with American Private School Educators, certified in secondary Education in TN, certified professional secretary, a member of the Education Committee of Chattanooga, Manufacturers Association, 1996, Citizens Partnering Together, Inc. and a member of Delta Pi Epsilon.

A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, November 24, 2021, at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Troy Walliser officiating, Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd. Interment will follow at Lakewood Memory Gardens, East.

Gathering of Family & Friends will be held Tuesday from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. and Wednesday from 9:00 A.M. until the funeral hour at Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd.

A special thanks to Standifer Place Rehab, Erlanger Continucare Nurses and therapists and Hospice of Chattanooga. Also, to Home Instead of Chattanooga, whose care aides assisted Elizabeth for over four years. One aide in particular, Yolanda Sanford Kirk, who was her daily care aide for over two years. She became a big part of the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Ronald McDonald House of Chattanooga, or Pat Summitt Foundation, 520 West Summitt Hill Drive SW #1101, Knoxville, TN 37902.

Visit the online obituary www.heritagechattanooga.com to post tributes and share memories.

Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd.

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