Mae Hancock Huie Fortson

Mae Hancock Huie Fortson went to be with the Lord on April 1, 2025. A life well-lived, she has entered her rest at the appointed time. Mae was preceded in death by her husband Rev. S. Donald Fortson Jr. in 2015 to whom she was married for 60 years. She is survived by her two sons S. Donald Fortson III (wife Nancy S. Fortson) of Matthews, NC and Malcolm Benjamin Fortson (wife Nancy C. Fortson) of Black Mountain, NC. Mae had five grandchildren – Caroline, Sam, Noah, Haylee and Hannah. Mae’s parents were Malcolm Benjamin Huie and Sarah Helen Crittenden Huie of Sarasota Florida. Her four sisters, Helen Bahr, Anne Newman, Lisa Ware and Ginny Nixon each had a special place in her heart, as did all her nephews and nieces.

Born in Chattanooga TN in 1934, she attended High School in LaGrange, GA and graduated from Agnes Scott College in Decatur, GA. Mae was a pastor’s wife for 40 years, serving alongside her husband Don at churches in Gadsden, AL, Birmingham, AL, Rock Hill, SC and St. Louis Missouri. As a pastor’s wife, she was known for her hospitality and friendship in all the churches where the Fortsons served. She was a Bible teacher, leading classes for women, known for both her love and knowledge of the Bible. Mae devoured books, especially ones written by C.S. Lewis, and she delighted in writing her many poems.

Praying for her boys every day, she left a timeless example of faithfulness to Christ that shaped her sons for a lifetime. Mae had a boundless love for her grandchildren, sending each a weekly letter, and leaving an indelible mark on each one of their lives. And, oh her many friends, she is remembered for keeping in touch with so many of them over the years.

Mae will be immeasurably missed. It will be a difficult reality to no longer have the pleasure of a conversation or exchange email with her again in this life. But, her family and friends rejoice that she is with Jesus, her first love in life, and now for eternity. Heaven was always her hope for the future, and today it is a reality.

No services are scheduled at this time.