Elzie Florence Fortenberry, 99, of Sweeny passed away April 3, 2024. She was born November 8, 1924 in Lake Wales, Florida to the late Manning Massey and Margaret Haynes Massey.

Elzie enjoyed spending time with her family, reminiscing and telling stories to anyone that would listen. In her free time she enjoyed playing cards and dominoes with friends at Actions in Sweeny. In her 99 years here on Earth, she was a lady of many talents and careers. She began working at the Blessing Hotel before later supporting the war efforts as an airplane buffer at the bomber plant during WWII. Among many other accomplishments, she retired from Sweeny ISD later in her life.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Leslie Lee (BB) Fortenberry, sister Bettye Marlyne Ham, brother Manning Keith Massey, and son-in-law Buddy Azbell.

Survivors include daughter Kay Azbell; son Leslie Fortenberry (Debra); brother Robert Massey (Geraldine); sister-in-law Dorothy Massey; grandchildren Rajetta Hanzik (Jason), Robert Azbell (Tena), Erin Fortenberry and Pake Fortenberry; great grandchildren Cynthia Halfmann (Cody), Kelsye Kishpaugh (Morgan), Kyle Azbell (Lyndsey), Corey Dale Fortenberry and Elzie Fortenberry; and great-great grandchildren Caidee, Lane, and Cheyenne Halfmann.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at the First Baptist Church in Sweeny. Funeral Service will be at 2:00 PM with Pastor Warren Rayburn officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. Pallbearers will be Doug Massey, DJ Pierce, Robert Wojcik, Bart Squires, Bill Greeson and Darrin George.  Billy Neel will serve as an honorary pallbearer.

Memorials in her honor may be made to Actions in Sweeny or the First Baptist Church in Sweeny.