To meet Jeanette is to feel right at home. Her laughter has a way of brightening even the quietest corners of Legacy Village at Park Regency, where she and her husband, Jerry, have made a comfortable life together in Moultrie, Georgia. Though her story begins in Turner County, in the small town of Ashburn, the warmth of her upbringing colors every day she spends here.

Jeanette’s life is woven from threads of hard work, faith, and the connections she’s built along the way. She started out as a machine operator for Secure Records in Thomasville, where she learned the satisfaction of a job well done. Later, her journey led her into the world of care and compassion as an administrative assistant for Hospice of Tift Area and Tift Regional Hospital. Those years shaped her in unexpected ways—teaching her to find something special in each day, and to live life to the fullest.

Faith is Jeanette’s foundation. Her membership in the Church of God has been a steady comfort, and her love of gospel and old country music fills her home and heart with familiar joy. Holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, are times of celebration for her—a chance to gather loved ones, share laughter, and create memories that linger long after the decorations are packed away.

Family is at the heart of everything Jeanette does. Together with Jerry, she raised two children, Donna and Bill, guiding them with the same warmth and faith she learned from her own parents, Mary Magalene and Roger Fortson. The family has grown to include four grandchildren—Callie, J.T., Matthew, and MacKenzie—each one a source of pride and happiness. Jeanette’s stories often drift back to simple, joyful moments, like her treasured trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains with her daughter, where the mountains seemed to echo the closeness of their bond.

Life has held its share of sorrow, too. Jeanette cherishes the memory of her siblings, Roger, Brenda (Gail), and Glenda Sue, who are no longer with her, and finds comfort in the companionship of her sister Linda. The love and lessons from her family remain a touchstone in her life, guiding her through both joy and loss.

Within Legacy Village, Jeanette’s hands are rarely still. Whether she’s quilting, crocheting, painting, or diving into arts and crafts, she brings creativity to every project. She’s always ready for a good book or a new painting, and she lights up when devotion time with Brother Ricky rolls around. Dogs and cats have always found a friend in her, too.

Jeanette’s outgoing spirit means she rarely meets a stranger. She loves getting to know her fellow residents and staff, greeting everyone with kindness and a genuine interest in their stories. As Resident Ambassador, she brings empathy and enthusiasm to her role, making sure everyone feels included and cared for—just as she’s done throughout her life.

Ask Jeanette about her proudest achievement, and she’ll tell you without hesitation: raising children who are not only wonderful, but who love God. That legacy of love and faith is something she continues to share, both with her family and with her community at Legacy Village.



Jeanette’s journey is living proof that a full life is made up of meaningful work, strong faith, family ties, and the simple act of making each day count. And in every smile, every warm greeting, and every story shared, she invites those around her to do the same.