Velvia Fortenberry (Bolivar)

October 8, 1953 - April 27, 2022

Velvia Jean (Lee) Fortenberry was born October 8, 1953 and passed away April 27, 2022. Velvia was born and raised in Kirksville, Missouri. After high school she attended Northeast Missouri State, and went on to receive her degree in Speech and Language Pathology from CMSU. She married Martin Kent Fortenberry on January 7th, 1973. Velvia and Martin were married for 49 years, until her death. They enjoyed taking drives to look at wild flowers, taking short trips to enjoy natural scenery, and recently attended the Ash Grove prom, where Martin teaches. She began her teaching career in 1983. She went on to teach speech and language at Bunston, High Point, Latham, Clarksburg, California, and Jasper, all in Missouri. She was an active member of High Point Baptist Church, 9th Street (Eldon), First Baptist Jasper, and most recently New Beginning Full Gospel Church in Humansville. Velvia was always willing to help in any way that she could. At times she was the church librarian, she taught Sunday School, she volunteered during Vacation Bible School, served on committees, sang in the choir, and helped prepare and serve meals for those in times of need. Preceded in death by her parents Junior and Sarah (Mabis) Lee. Survived by her daughters Sarah (Fortenberry) Spillman, and Amanda (Fortenberry) Whatley and her husband Matthew Whatley, as well as her two children Cora and Ezra Whatley of Bolivar MO, and her sister Dr. Marah Lee of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She remained close with her nieces and nephews and their children - always taking time to send cards and notes for birthdays and special occasions. After retiring in March of 2020 she occupied her time with crafting, and fixing up her home. She enjoyed crafting toys and clothing for her grandchildren, as well as cards. She regularly made handmade cards specifically for hospitalized children through the organization Cardz for Kidz. She enjoyed listening to podcasts, and sermons. She enjoyed cooking and entertaining. She was deeply religious and enjoyed reading her Bible and praying for family and members of her community. She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved her. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, May 1st at Butler funeral home in Bolivar, Missouri. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to a college fund for Velvia’s grandchildren. You can make a donation via paypal at this web address: https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8Jmxk61woc To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Velvia Jean Fortenberry please visit our Sympathy Store.