of Yellville, AR
November 5, 1950 - June 14, 2021
Pamela E. Fortner, of Yellville, Arkansas, beloved daughter, wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt left this world for her heavenly home on Monday, June 14, 2021 at the age of 70. She was dearly loved by her family and friends and lived an extraordinary life. She was born Pamela Earlene Sherar, to the late John Sherar and Elsie May Sherar, on November 5, 1950 in Merced, California.
Pam met the love of her life, Jack Fortner, when he visited her church in 1968 and they were married for 51 years. Pam took great pride in being a loving and supportive partner and spouse to Jack. They were each other's best friends and genuinely enjoyed each other's company. She also enjoyed and shared Jack's love of cars (ok, maybe not quite the same amount as Jack) but Jack knew it was important to woo her and did name his prized 1928 Model A after her, calling her Miss Pam. Pam got up early every Saturday morning to make fresh biscuits and gravy for Jack and the other guys who were hosting the Jack the Car Guy radio program on KTLO radio.
Pam was a woman of many gifts and talents, and above all, a woman of great faith. At an early age, Pam professed her faith in Jesus and was active in church her entire life, teaching Sunday School, adult Bible studies, volunteering, singing, and playing the piano and organ. Pam loved music and was playing her favorite hymns at her home piano until the very final days of her life.
While Pam was keeping busy as a wife and mom and girl Friday for all of Jack's businesses and endeavors, she found the time to go to college and graduated from the University of Nevada Reno in 1990 with a degree in Journalism and Public Relations and a minor in music. She and Jack celebrated with a trip to Ireland. She never turned down the opportunity to see and learn about something new.
Pam loved to write about their adventures and what they learned and saw as they traveled. She and Jack wrote articles for numerous publications. They loved to travel and were as comfortable on the backroads in a rented RV as they were at a beautiful hotel on the French Riviera.
Pam supported Jack in his many businesses and in his most recent career as an Arkansas State Representative, District 99. She was most proud of her job as an Arkansas State Legislature Red Coat. Pam loved the friends she met on the job and was always positive and in good spirits welcoming visitors to the capitol building and supporting all of the legislators. She said it was the best job she ever had!
Pam enjoyed volunteering in her community and for a number of years was the director of the Marion County Tour of Homes which funded the Single Parent Scholarship Fund where she also served as board member. Pam was passionate about helping young women attend college and wanted to see young women achieve and have the opportunity for an education.
Jack and Pam lived many places, from California to Nevada to finally finding where they were most at home, Arkansas. Throughout their travels, Pam made many life-long friends and they stayed in touch through Facebook, phone calls and her colorful and detailed texts. She was the unofficial social media director and publicist for Jack, taking pictures at events, posting witty captions and keeping friends and family up to date on their latest adventures. Pam was an avid reader and could easily read a couple of books a week if she had the time, her favorite were mysteries.
Pam is survived by her husband The Honorable State Representative Jack Fortner, her son Justin Fortner, grandchildren Jocelyn, Samantha and Hunter, and her great granddaughter Lenya Harper, her brothers John Sherar, Jr. (Linda), Bob Sherar (Betty), her nieces Holly (Dave), and Jennifer, Jeretta (Dan) , Alison (Martin) & Jennifer (Steve), her nephews Kyle, Tim & Randy, and numerous great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Phyllis.
Her funeral will be held at Twin Lakes Baptist Church in Mountain Home on Friday, June 18, 2021. The viewing will begin at 2:00 pm and the service will start at 3:00 pm.
A private burial service will immediately follow.
In lieu of flowers, and at Pam's request, the family asks you to consider making a donation to the College of the Ozarks. Checks may be made payable to College of the Ozarks with a noted restriction to Pam's scholarship which is called The Pamela Fortner Endowed Music Fund. Checks may be mailed to: College of the Ozarks, Attn: Development Officer, PO Box 17, Point Lookout, Missouri 65726. Gifts may also be made online at http://www.cofo.edu/Donate. Please mark your gift in Memory of Pamela Fortner.
Arrangements are by Roller-Burns Funeral Home in Yellville, Arkansas.
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21 Condolence(s)
Walter and Jeanette White
Friday, July 16, 2021
Dear Jack. We have so many great memories of you and Pam being here in Grass Valley. I remember when she sang you told me she wanted you standing to the side so she could see you. I always thought that was so sweet. We love you both and are so sorry Pam had to go so soon. So thankful we will see her again. Soon and very soon.
Linda Manfred
Friday, June 18, 2021
Jack, I absolutely loved Pam. She had a wonderful smile and sparkling eyes. It was impossible to miss that about her. She will be missed at church and the many functions she was involved with. My prayers are with you as you go about your travels.
Gary and Sharon Warner
Friday, June 18, 2021
Jack and Family,
Pam's laugh and sweet disposition will be greatly miss. She was faithful to her Savior. Her many talents will not be filled by anyone. We are sure the Lord said, My good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of heaven. Heaven gets sweeter every day. Praying for you Jack, as you best friend has left for a little while. Jack, you are loved.
James Gibson
Friday, June 18, 2021
We are praying that you will experience God’s grace and reassurance during this time of remembrance. As time transpires, the journey that you will now travel will bring new joys and experiences. But, Pam will be with you always and will come to your mind when you need her guidance and love.
Love Jim and Marsette
Rick, Melissa and Jackson Steiner
Thursday, June 17, 2021
Jack,
Pam was an inspiration to all of us. She was a woman of faith who we truly looked up to. We will miss her so much. God bless you and your family. Sending you love and prayers.
Mary Sue and Tony Merjano
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
So sorry to hear about Pam’s passing. We are sending you out thoughts and prayers Jack. â¤ï¸â¤ï¸
Jim and Nellie Yount
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
Jim and I had the honor to know you and call you our friend, will miss you and pray for Jack's peace.
Jack and Sara Gilliland
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
Jack and Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Pam was always so bright, cheerful, and loving. She will be missed by many.
May God give you peace and comfort during this time. Our
prayers are with you. ðŸ™
Terry & Glenna Fisk
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
You all are in our thoughts and prayers. May God give you the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Nancy Cook
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
Our deepest sympathy. Prayers for Jack and family from the Bob Sharp family
Anita England
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
My heart is broken for you. I know the pain of loosing a spouse. Prayers of comfort, knowing we will be with them one day. With Love. Anita England
Kathy Benson
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
I always liked Pam. Are sang in the choir at TLBC. She was always smiling and laughing. I’ll always remember how happy she always seemed to be and how friendly she was.
Sarah & Gary Watkins
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
World’s Finest Couple and that you will always be!!! Prayers for Pam’s loved ones as they adjust to the loss of their VIP, Pamela.
Austin Wilson
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
Please accept our condolences on the loss of your partner.Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead.
Austin & Sabryn
Linda Chris Smith
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
Pam and Jack, thank for so many fun parties my family attended at your home. They love the games and sports you all played together. We appreciate you so much for all that you have done for our community of family and friends. Godspeed Pam blessings upon you and to you Jack as you continue in your role model of helping others and uniting the public in Rotary’s creed politics. Love and Prayers,
Linda and Christopher Smith ðŸ™â¤ï¸ðŸ‡ºðŸ‡¸
Barbara Davenport
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
Jack I am so sorry for your loss. Pam was such a sweet lady. My sincere sympathy and prayers for you and your family. God bless you. Barbara
Terry and Karen Wilson
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
We send our prayers
Shelia Tucker
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
Jack, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I pray God will give you strength and peace throughout these next days, months and years. God Bless you always for what you do for others!!! Sincerely:
The Town of South Lead Hill, Arkansas
Roger Gilley
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
Representative Fortner I am very sorry for your loss.
Janet bradburn
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
I am so sorry Jack . seen you at music on the square last sat. Nite. May God be with you and bless you at this time.
Jesse and Nancy Bergeron
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
Jack our hearts are broken . What an inspiration you and Pam have been to so many! May God wrap his arms around you. We
Love you and cherish the memories of being with you both and Gerald!