Joyce Olean Brindel Fortner's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Joyce Olean Brindel Fortner January 5, 1948 – November 3, 2025.
The world got a little less golden on November 3, 2025, when Olean Fortner left this earth for her next great adventure. Born on January 5, 1948, in Grand Ridge, Florida, she lived a life full of laughter, friendship, hard work, and love — all with a Pepsi in one hand and a cigarette in the other.
Olean spent more than 30 years working for Florida Power, where her dedication and strength made her a respected and admired colleague. She poured herself into her work and her community, volunteering with the Pilot Club in her younger years and later with the VFW Auxiliary in Tullahoma, Tennessee.
She loved being involved, helping others, and always finding ways to make people feel included and cared for. She was a woman who knew how to have fun. She loved to go out dancing, listen to live music, and never turned down a good buffet or Mexican restaurant.
Her favorite companions were often four-legged — she had a lifelong love for animals — and her favorite pastime was simply spending time with family and friends, laughing, talking, and making memories. Whether she was playing solitaire, talking on the phone, or planning her next outing, Olean filled every room with her strong, sassy spirit.
She married the love of her life in later years, Frank Fortner, and together they shared three wonderful years of marriage. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Douglas Cook and Buddy Hatcher, who no doubt greeted her with open arms. Her greatest pride and joy were her daughters — Missie Sayre (Kevin), Shirley Garner (Roy), and Brittany Forrester (Steven) — and her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Kevin, Priscilla, Justin, Stella, Evelyn, Travis, Charlee, Carolina, Johnnie, Kaitlyn, Aubree, Matilyn, Kynslie, Savannah Geromel, Fallyn and Effie. Stepchildren: Frank Fortner, Jr. and Daphne (Jason) Wilson.
Olean was fiercely independent, outspoken, and strong-willed — qualities that defined her and that she proudly passed down to her daughters and granddaughters. She taught them to speak their minds, stand tall, and never apologize for who they are. She will be remembered for her laughter, her spunk, her love of life, and the way she made everyone feel. Her family takes comfort knowing she’s at peace, likely dancing, laughing, and catching up with those she’s missed.
There will be a gathering of family and friends Friday, November 14, 2025, from 10:00 am to 10:30 am followed by a celebration of life funeral service beginning 10:30 am at Banks/Page-Theus Funeral Chapel 410 Webster St. Wildwood, FL 34785. Pastor Craig Attaway will be Officiating.
Immediately following will be a graveside service at Florida National Cemetery – Bushnell, FL.
Arrangements are entrusted to Banks/Page-Theus Funerals and Cremations, Wildwood. Online condolences may be shared at https://www.bankspagetheus.com.
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