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Fortner has won many ribbons at quilt shows
across the Southeast. She has sold about 50
quilts to friends and co-workers. Her specialty,
Fortner said, is making quilts from pieces of
T-shirts or baby clothes.
Fortner said her
grandmother and
mother were quilters.
That's why when her
daughters, Carissa and
Karlie, moved out of the
house, it was natural for
Fortner to take up the
cra as well.
"Quilting is one of
those things that,
once you get started, is
addicting," said Fortner.
"It's good for your
brain and a good social
activity. You're creating something that's useful
and lasts 75 years. There's nothing like being
wrapped up in a quilt your grandma made."
Along with creating quilts, Fortner enjoys
working in her garden and playing with her
grandbabies, Miles and Charloe.
Fortner said she is proud
to have worked at a "well-
thought-of company like
Alabama Power," but she
is excited to see what the
future holds now that she
is retired.
"I am enjoying being
able to schedule my days
as they come and being
flexible enough to pick up
and go whenever I want,"
Fortner said. "Life is fun
again."
Fortner had Halloween fun with former Pelham employee
Angela Walker, left, and the 'Grim Reaper' Frank Martin,
who is now retired.
Fortner won a blue ribbon for the quilt at left. She is spending time with family in retirement.
