of Little Rock, AR
September 4, 1935 - August 8, 2025
Gaylia Ann Causey Fortson, age 89, of Little Rock, Arkansas, went to be with the Lord on August 8, 2025, at CHI St. Vincent Infirmary.
She was born on September 4, 1935, in Pine Bluff to Daisy and R.B. Causey. Gaylia received her Bachelor of Arts from Oklahoma Baptist University and went on to teach English and classical Latin in public schools before devoting herself fully to her greatest calling, being a wife, mother, - grandmother, and great-grandmother.
On June 9, 1957, Gaylia married the love of her life, Gene Fortson, and together they shared 68 wonderful years of marriage. Her life was marked by faith, kindness, and selflessness. Gaylia loved to travel with her family and cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In her younger years, she was also an avid tennis player, participating in USTA tennis leagues at the 4.0 level as well as competitive regional tournaments. Gaylia was a faithful member of St. James United Methodist Church, where she found joy in worship and fellowship with her church family.
She is survived by her husband, Gene Fortson; daughter, Gigi Bailey; son, Grant Fortson (Jaime); grandchildren, Brooke Wilson (Ryan), Mary Kate Vogel (Sam), Dr. Ben Fortson (Sarah), Caroline Fortson, Hannah Bailey, and Claire Fortson; and five great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Gregory Fortson.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. James United Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. Ben Crismon and Rev. Siegfried S. Johnson. A reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. James United Methodist Church Endowment Fund or Easterseals Arkansas.
Arrangements are entrusted to Roller-Chenal Funeral Home.
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12 Condolence(s)
Brad and Susan Cazort
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Gene,
So very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim, Jeanine Wilson
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Sorry for your loss. Prayers for your whole family. We love you all.
Kelli Whitten
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Praying for God's peace and comfort. Sending love and prayers.
Lori McNeel
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Dean and Lori McNeel
Susan Boe (Tim)
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. Sending all my love.
Don Allen
Monday, August 11, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss, she was a tremendous person
Gail Ruddock
Sunday, August 10, 2025
So very sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
Renée Baxley
Sunday, August 10, 2025
Gaylia was such a dear friend of my mom! I know they are giggling and having the best time in heaven now! Our prayers are with you all at this time!
Dan and Barbara Harpool & Christine Harpool Quinn
Saturday, August 9, 2025
Gaylia was a wonderful Christian wife, mother, grandmother and friend to countless others. We are so sad to hear about Gaylia passing and praying for your entire family.
Regions Bank Family ( Ryan Wilson)
Saturday, August 9, 2025
Deepest condolences to the family in the Celebration of your loved one.
Stephen Burke
Saturday, August 9, 2025
My deepest sympathies to the whole family during this difficult time. Gaylia was always very kind to my family and to me personally. You are all in my prayers for comfort and peace.
Stephen
Ray Dillon
Friday, August 8, 2025
So very sorry to hear the tragic news. We will have you in our prayers