Elizabeth L. “Libby” Goolsby Fortner, a resident of Gardendale, AL for 68 years passed away suddenly on Sunday, April 2, 2017 at the age of 81. She was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother who was very much loved and will be greatly missed. Libby operated Book Basket in Gardendale for 25 years and was a lifetime member of Beechwood Baptist Church. She loved to travel with her husband and at one time lived in London, England and had traveled to Scotland, Ireland, Azores, Greenland, and various states including New York, Wisconsin, and California. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Jimmy Goolsby (June). She is survived by her her husband of 62 years, Billy Ray Fortner, a son, Avon Fortner, her daughters, Cathy Tucker (Jack) of Hoover, DeeAnn Arnett (Robert) of Morris, and Faith Smith (Mike) of Hoover; Grandchildren, Jessica Tucker (Matt Tygielski) and Matt Arnett (Sarah); a sister, Billie Huddleston of Leeds.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday evening, April 4, 2017 at Ridout’s Gardendale Chapel from 5 until 8 PM with chapel services to follow on Wednesday beginning at 2 PM. Entombment will follow in Oakwood Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. The family would like to express thanks to the Gardendale First Responders.
