Marshane Leslie Fortner

Ms. Marshane Leslie Fortner, age 63, passed away Thursday, June 15, 2017, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines.

Marshane, known affectionately as “Miss Leslie”, was born April 15, 1954, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Jim and Deloris (Fountain) Fortner. She attended high school and started her family in San Diego, CA. Over the years, she lived on both coasts due to her husband’s service in the Navy, before settling back in Des Moines in 1986. She enjoyed her employment as a supervisor for Metro Kids Care in Des Moines Public Schools.

Marshane’s family was her life. She loved her grandchildren and nieces and nephews above all else. Her family will fondly remember how she would lovingly fuss over everyone. Marshane looked forward to her annual trip to Las Vegas with her sister to gamble. She was a shopaholic and enjoyed watching criminal or court shows and the Lifetime channel. Marshane never realized how many lives she had touched over the years. The outpouring of love through letters, emails, and messages has been overwhelming.

She is survived by her son, Darrell Leighton Fortner of Council Bluffs, IA; daughters, Danita Marie Thomas of Des Moines, IA, Deniece Michelle Thomas of Blue Springs, MO, Shannon Nicole Walker of Des Moines, IA, and Sheena Williams of Des Moines, IA; goddaughters, Chardae Marshane King of Des Moines, IA and Marcia Linnett Butts of Atlanta, GA; sisters, Marsha Lynn Davis of Memphis, TN, Betty Douglass of Des Moines, IA and Michelle D. Johnson of Des Moines, IA; granddaughters, Jada Johann Marshall of Blue Springs, MO and Ananda Shanae Marshall of Des Moines, IA; grandson, Franchot Berdell Simmons III of Blue Spring, MO; longtime companion, William Henry Foster (Bill); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other extended family and many loving friends.

Marshane was preceded in death by her mother, Deloris Mae Whitley; father, Jim Lee Fortner; husband, Amos Cleo Thomas Jr.; brother, Dennis Lee Davis; and sister, Marchesa Liane Davis.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, June 23, 2017, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Funeral services will begin at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, June 24, also at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Marshane.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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