Ella Victoria Morris was born the youngest of three siblings to Annie Mae Pope-Morris and Rafort Morris on October 6, 1923 in Columbia, Mississippi. On Monday, October 22, 2012, her loving soul departed for her final rest.
Victoria grew up in Columbia, Mississippi. At an early age, she accepted Christ and was baptized. She has worshipped at Butler's AME Zion church for over 50 years. She continued to cherish her church home until her death.
Victoria graduated 2 years early as Valedictorian of her high school class for Marion County Training School in Columbia, Ms. She then went on to attend Alcorn A&M College where she earned her bachelors degree in English and Social Studies. She attended Southern University, Atlanta University, and Southeastern Louisiana where she received her certification in Library Science.
During her years at Alcorn University, she met and married Howard Fortenberry and to this union a daughter, Delores was born. She later moved to Amite, LA where married Lathan Lucien, Sr., Victoria devoted her life to education and mentoring others. She began her career in Picayune, MS and later moved to Louisiana where she taught at O.W. Dillon, West Side High School, Ponchatoula High, and Amite High. After her retirement in 1980, she taught an additional 12 years as an Adult Education Teacher at Amite Hight School. There were the years that were held dear in her heart.
She leaves to cherish here memory three grandchildren; Sam Ronadl (Renida ) Lewis, Dr. , Houston, TX; Darren Lewis, Houston, TX; and Mia( Kenyell) Lewis, Amite, LA; seven great-grandchildren; Jalexia Brown, Baton Rouge, LA, Precious Brown, Augusta, Gal Raphael Watson, Franklinton, LA; Roneshia Lewis and Portess Lewis, Hammond, La; Diamondneshay War and Dominque Lewis, Hounston TX; One nephew, Clifton "Sonny (Easter) Washington, LA Vegas, NV; a dear friend (Leola (Harry) Denhamn Ontario CA and devoted father of her grandchildren, Sam Ronald Lewis, Sr., Amite LA
Mrs. Fortenberry was preceded in death by her parents, Annie Mae and Rafort Morris of Columbia MS; one bother Edward Pope fo Chicago, IL; one sister, Etta Mae Pople of Columbia, MS; a daughter; Etta Delores Lewis Gaten; and aunt, Margaret Pope, Columbia MS>
