Leary Irene Fortner

Leary Irene Anderson Fortner, 78, of Statesville, went to be with her Lord on Sunday, October 11, 2015 at the Gordon Hospice House. She was born in Wilkes County on April 27, 1937 to the late Lidy and Cynthia Mariah Call Anderson. She was educated in Wilkes County Schools and worked in textiles most of her life. She was one of twelve children and was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was a member of Front Street Baptist Church. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Sylvia Ann Gaines, six brothers, and two sisters. Left to cherish her memory are two sons, Randy Nelson Gaines of Statesville and Robert Edward Padgett (Kelly) of North Wilkesboro; a daughter, Teresa Padgett Benge of Stony Point; eight grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and three brothers. Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Thursday October 15, 2015 at the Nicholson Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in the Iredell Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Wednesday evening at the funeral home from 6:00 until 8:00 PM. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.