Concord & Kannapolis, N. C. Independent Tribune Mrs. Hester Fortson KANNAPOLIS -- Hester Elizabeth Bruce Fortson, 85, of 1502 Dennis Ave., Kannapolis, went home to be with her Lord on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2001, at her home. The funeral will be 2 p.m. Friday at Shadybrook Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Carolina Memorial Park. The Revs. Charlie Littlejohn and David Walters Jr. will officiate. The family will receive friends tonight from 6 to 9 at Whitley's Funeral Home. At other times they will be at the home on Dennis Ave. Born Oct. 22, 1916, in Madison County, Ga., she was the daughter of the late Henry Lee Bruce and Terrila Ginn Bruce. She was a homemaker and a member of Shadybrook Baptist Church, where she had been a nursery worker for many years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alson Fortson, who died Nov. 28, 1979; and by a grandchild and two great-grandchildren. Survivors include 10 children, Jeanette Torrence and spouse Rev. Howard Torrence of China Grove, Bertie Upright and spouse John (Bo) of Kannapolis, Merle Upright and spouse Calvin (June) of Kannapolis, Donnie Smith and spouse Bobby of Kannapolis; Alson (Eddie) Fortson Jr. and spouse Geraldine of Kannapolis, Henry Fortson and spouse Daisy of Kannapolis, Brenda Brewer and spouse Jimmy of Kannapolis, Kenneth Fortson and spouse Joan of Denton, NC, Cindy Riley and spouse Rondal of Kannapolis, and Bruce Fortson and spouse Sandy of Salisbury; a brother, Donald Bruce of Flint, Mich.; 24 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild and eight step-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Shadybrook Baptist Church, 1009 Oakwood Ave., Kannapolis, NC 28081. Whitley's Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.