Florence Ann Smith

Florence Ann Fortney

A Legacy of Love, Strength, and Sacrifice

Florence Ann Fortney passed peacefully on June 8, 2025, leaving behind a legacy stitched together with love, sacrifice, laughter, and resilience. She was more than a mother and grandmother-she was the heart of our family, the thread that held us together, and the example of what it means to love unconditionally.

Born into a family of strong roots, Florence grew up alongside her brothers Jack, Johnny, and Jimmy Joe-whose passing in Vietnam left a mark on her soul. It shaped the woman she would become: one who never turned away from pain, but instead used it to deepen her empathy and strengthen her resolve.

Florence’s life was filled with many roles-daughter, sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, wife-but her favorite role was “Mom.” She had six children: Dondra (husband, Robert), Danny (wife, Karen), Diana (husband, Gordon), David (wife, Cathy), Tonya (husband, Patrick), and Jackie (husband, Donny). Six children (and often more) under one roof, each of them loved fiercely and raised with her unique blend of grit and grace.

She didn’t have much, but what she had, she gave-without hesitation. Florence worked tirelessly-sometimes multiple jobs-to provide. She sewed clothes, cooked meals, and made holidays feel magical, even when money was tight. She had high expectations, not because she was demanding, but because she believed in her children’s potential more than anyone else.

Florence’s love didn’t stop with her children. Her legacy continues through her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each one carrying a piece of her spark:

- Dondra’s children: Harley (married to Bri and father to Harley James, Darren, Harold, and Corbin) and Matthew (with wife Stephanie, parents to Jasmine, Jason, Samuel, and Jeremiah)

- Diana’s children: Christian (married to Brandon and mother to Ryker, Rylee, Rynae, and Richard), Aaron

- David’s children: Allison and Jeffery, with wife Cathy

- Tonya’s children: Ambur (married to Anthony, mother of Avery and Amelia), Dakota (father to Hayvin), Cassidy, and Tony (married to Alex, father of Dexter)

- Jackie’s children: Dylan, Madison, and Peyton, with husband Donny

Florence adored each one. Holidays meant early morning visits to see every child open gifts. Her joy was their joy. Her home overflowed with toys, laughter, and the warmth only she could create. She had a deep love for garage sales and thrift shopping. She could spend hours exploring secondhand stores, digging through hidden treasures, or driving through neighborhoods in search of the perfect find. Her joy came not just from discovering bargains, but from finding something special for someone she loved. She delighted in showing up with a surprise toy for a grandchild, a quirky decoration, or something useful she knew someone needed. It wasn’t about the item-it was about the smile it brought.

She had her quirks-like tapping her fingernail when she was about to say something serious, or leaving you behind if you didn’t stay by her side at the store (and she meant it!). But beneath her tough love was a heart that never stopped giving.

Florence loved her dogs. Her final companion, Buddy, was never far from her side and will rest with her now, just as he always did.

She never spoiled herself, never asked for much. Her joy came from giving-whether it was comfort, support, or a perfectly picked-out gift she thought you might need “just in case.” She was our steady hand, our truth-teller, our safe place. And she worried we’d drift apart without her.

But we won’t.

Because Florence didn’t just raise children-she raised a family. She raised generations who understand love, strength, and sacrifice because they lived it through her.

Florence Ann Fortney gave her all. And now she rests, reunited with her parents, her baby brother, her beloveds who went before-watching over us, proud.

We will carry her with us, always.

Thank you, Mama. For everything.

You were-and always will be-our heart.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 6:00-7:00 PM at Luginbuel Funeral Home.

Funeral Service will be held 2:00 PM Wednesday, June 18th, 2025, at Prairie Grove Cemetery Pavilion in Prairie Grove, Arkansas.