Salisbury Post, Salisbury, North Carolina Hester B. Fortson KANNAPOLIS - Hester Elizabeth Bruce Fortson, 85, 1502 Dennis Ave., died Wednesday (Nov. 14, 2001) at her home. Born Oct. 22, 1916, in Madison County, Ga., Mrs. Fortson was a daughter of the late Henry Lee and Terrila Ginn Bruce. She was a homemaker. A member of Shadybrook Baptist Church, she was a nursery worker for many years. Her husband, Alson Fortson, died Nov. 28, 1979. She was also preceded in death by a grandchild and two great-grandchildren. Survivors include children Jeanette Torrence, China Grove, Bertie Upright, Merle Upright, Donnie Smith, Alson "Eddie" Fortson Jr., Henry Fortson, Brenda Brewer and Cindy Riley, all of Kannapolis, Kenneth Fortson, Denton, and Bruce Fortson, Salisbury; brother Donald Bruce, Flint, Mich.; 24 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and eight stepgrandchildren. Services: 2 p.m. Friday, Shadybrook Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. Charlie Littlejohn and the Rev. David Walters Jr. Burial, Carolina Memorial Park. Visitation: 6-9 tonight, Whitley's Funeral Home. At other times, the family will be at the home on Dennis Avenue. Memorials: Shadybrook Baptist Church, 1009 Oakwood Ave., Kannapolis, NC 28081.