Betty Jo Fortner

Betty Jo Fortner, age 93 of Knoxville, passed away April 17, 2023. She was a member of Pleasant Gap Church. She was a hairdresser for many years before retiring. Betty Jo loved to walk on her property among the wild flowers and also enjoyed visiting Cades Cove. She will be remembered as a loving, peaceful, soft-spoken woman, who was a good cook and a great person. Preceded in death by first husband Claude Wallace Fortner, second husband Sammie Epperson, mother Effie Phillips, grandfather Jonas Baxter Phillips, grandmother Margaret Sutton Phillips, brothers Harry and Kermit Phillips. Survived by sister-in-law and caregiver Clara Phillips, caregivers, nieces, and nephews Trent and Jody Tallent, Jake and Hannah Tallent, Trena and Mike Arwood, Tracy Distrola, and furbaby Mickey Jo. Special thank you to Dr. James Hurst and staff, Dr. Reed (cardiologist), Dr. Fung at Tennova Cancer Center, and Amedisys Hospice staff for their love and care. Family and friends will meet 12:45pm Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Greenwood Cemetery for a 1:00pm graveside service. Online condolences may be expressed at www.mynattfh.com