Tommy, age 69, loving father of two, and adoring husband of Diane Fortenberry passed away Thursday, January 13th at 6:45pm after battling Covid-19 since Christmas. Diane Wilkerson Fortenberry, age 68, loving mother to Tammy and Angel, and devoted adoring wife of Tommy passed away Thursday, January 13th at 6:41pm after fiercely battling and defeating breast cancer and finally succumbing to Covid-19 she had been fighting since Christmas.
Tommy and Diane both grew up in McComb, Mississippi and were graduates of North Pike High School. Tommy grew up to become the kind of man we all hope and pray ours sons grow into. At age 17, He discovered his true love while attending North Pike High School and made the vow to love 16 year old Diane Wilkerson forever on July 11, 1970. Tommy was a true patriot, serving his country through the National Guard in the war against Vietnam. Tommy was a man of few words, but he loved with all he had. He was one of the good ones. He would give you the shirt off his back and the last cent out of his pocket. Tommy was a simple man who loved Diane with every fiber of his being and would move heaven and earth for her! Seeing Diane in the spotlight amongst all her people brought Tommy the greatest joy, seeing his star shining bright. Diane never met a stranger and was deeply loved by all who met her. She was quick to say what she thought, as well as, she would say what you were thinking, but wouldn’t say out loud yourself. Her bigger than life personality could bring a smile to any face and laughter to every heart. Diane hugged and loved on simply everyone. She loved her work family at Hendrick Kia/ Auto mall, Her Slumber Sisters and Friends. Tommy and Diane both considered “friends” to be their “family”.
Tommy and Diane had such an amazing love for each other and we don’t believe their leaving their earthly home only 4 minutes apart was a coincidence.
They are both survived by their daughters Tammy Dotson (Jimmy), Angel Maner (Corey), grandsons Cruz Maner, Kyle Dotson, Jamie Dotson and their precious fur baby Lil Bit. They loved their girls, sons-in-love and grandsons with all their heart. There was nothing that they wouldn’t do for them! In return, their girls, sons-in-love and grandsons loved them deeply and cherished them.
Tommy is preceded in death by Annie & Wilson Fortenberry (Parents). He is survived by his Sister Sue (Bobby) Reynolds.
Diane is preceded in death by Leon & Mary Lou Wilkerson (Parents) and Valley Wilkerson (Brother). She is survived by her siblings Exie “Bea”(Bill) Allen, Randy (Louise) Wilkerson, and Mary Ann Safir.
As an expression of sympathy, monetary contributions may be sent to the Maner/Dotson family to be placed in a trust to enhance the future endeavors of the grandchildren of Tommy and Diane Fortenberry.
