On November 29, 2024, just as the sun was beginning to descend in the west, the Lord in his great wisdom dispatched an angel quietly to escort peacefully the soul of Mrs. Irene (Perrin) Fortson of Elberton, Georgia, to relocate to her new heavenly home.

Irene (Perrin) Fortson was born on April 10, 1954, in Elberton, Georgia to the late Mr. Charlie Perrin and Genell Grimes Perrin. She was the youngest of 10 children.

Irene was a 1971 graduate of Hart County High School and later went on to further her education at Athens Technical College. She worked in banking for several years at First National Bank and later transitioned her career to work with the federal government agency, USDA – Agricultural Research Service. She worked for USDA for over 30 years until she retired in 2021. During her retirement she enjoyed decorating, working in her yard planting flowers and found joy in nurturing and growing the memorial tree that she planted in memory of her late son Jermaine. 

On November 29, 2024, Irene was called to her eternal rest. She is survived by her children Debbie (Petro) Heard of Elberton, Ga and John Fortson of Texas. Grandchild Jerkavion Fortson of Elberton, Ga; sisters Clara Moon and Geneva Whisnant of Elberton, Ga She was preceded in death by her son; Jermaine Fortson whom she loved dearly; sisters, Hattie Croskey, Jennette Barnett, Gail Sewell, Jean Cade, and Maebelle Davis; brothers, Charlie “Chuck” Perrin, David Grimes, and Frank Perrin. She also leaves behind a host of special grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Public Viewing will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024, from 12:00 - 6:00pm, located at Mack's Funeral Home - Elberton Chapel. 

The family will receive friends of the community on Friday, December 6, 2024, from 4:00 - 6:00pm, located at Mack's Funeral Home. 

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 1:00pm, located at Mack's Funeral Home - Elberton Chapel. 

Interment service will immediately follow the funeral service at Pinetown Cemetery - Elberton, GA. 

We ask that you keep the Fortson family in your prayers and thoughts.

You may send condolences, sign the online register, send flowers, or light a memory candle in her honor as a source of comfort to the family.