Willa Reece Thompson Fortner
March 7, 1933 – December 2, 2021
Willa was born in 1933 to Amanda and Edd Thompson, the middle child of eight siblings. She grew up on a farm in south Huntsville on what is now Chaney-Thompson Road, named after the two families who occupied that area. She recounted fond childhood memories helping her mother with household chores and working around the farm with her parents. Her father taught her to drive when she was 14 years old, and she chauffeured him around town every chance she got. Her mother instilled in her a love to cook, which continued throughout her life. She would never show up to any family event or gathering empty handed. She took great pride in her personal recipes, which will be passed on to and remembered by generations to come. Willa was extremely talented in needle work and crochet and taught her grandchildren and many others how to sew. After being a homemaker in her children’s early years, she later worked as a secretary at Grissom High School and the U.S. Army Missile Command, where she retired as an administrative assistant in 1993. Her family was the most important thing in her life. Willa loved each person in her family and was eager to help any way she could. She never ended a conversation without reminding you that she thought and prayed for her children and grandchildren every single day. She loved them dearly, and, she would emphasize, equally. Probably the greatest love in her life was her husband, Marvin, whom she cherished. She was delighted to proclaim that they never had a “fuss or fight” in their 64 years of marriage. Willa was a devoted Christian and an active member at Weatherly Heights Baptist Church for over 50 years. She centered her later life around her church and church family. She was especially fond of Dr. David Freeman, who showed her and her family the true love of Christ. She believed her faith gave her the strength in her life. Willa is survived by her husband, Albert Marvin Fortner, Jr.; daughters, Denise Chyke (Joel) and Cheryl Stokes (Mickey); grandchildren, Anna Huber (Adam), Sarah Lauren Huber, Don Allen Huber, Joel Michael Chyke, and Elizabeth Matthews (Benjamin); sisters, Helen Benson, Imogene Drake, and Hazel Owens; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Willa was preceded in death by her mother, Amanda (Scott) Thompson; father, Edd Thompson; brothers, Aubrey and Lee Thompson; and sister, Gladys Anderson. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 5, 2021, at Weatherly Heights Baptist Church, with the service immediately following. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Weatherly Heights Baptist Church General Fund.
