Thursday, August 23, 2018 8:00 am

Mary Ellen Splawn, age 98, of Forest City, went home to be her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, August 16, 2018.

Born January 11, 1920 in Rutherford County, she was a daughter of the late Peter Bruno Fortenberry and Fannie Mae Blankenship Fortenberry. She worked for Burlington Industries for most of her life and was a member of Crestview Baptist Church. Mary enjoyed quilting, sewing, crafts, and drawing. Her greatest love was her family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of thirty-two years, Howard Edward Splawn; infant daughter, "Little" Mary Splawn; daughter, Karen O'Connor; son, Lemuel Splawn; 1 granddaughter; 1 grandson, four sisters and two brothers.

Those left to cherish her memory include two daughters, Rita Splawn of Rutherfordton and Angela Scoggins and husband, Grover "Sonny" of Mooresboro; three sons, Ronald "Rusty" Splawn and wife, Shelba of Chase Community, Michael Splawn and wife, Suzanne of El Paso, Texas and James "Jimmy" Splawn and wife, Rebecca of Huntington, Indiana and son-in-law, James O'Connor of Raeford, NC. She is also survived by nineteen grandchildren, forty great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren.

The funeral service was conducted at the Harrelson Funeral Chapel. Rev Kevin Rohm and Rev Jimmy Splawn officiated. Interment followed in Holly Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.

Memorial donations are respectfully request to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org/give.html

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been entrusted with arrangements.