Edward Jerry Fortenberry dies in fatal Pearl house fire caused by lightning

Edward Jerry Fortenberry dies in fatal Pearl house fire caused by lightning

Fatal Pearl house fire death of Edward Jerry Fortenberry – Obituary

Edward Jerry Fortenberry, known as Jerry, tragically lost his life when a lightning strike caused a house fire in Pearl, Mississippi, on the evening of May 6.

The fire occurred around 9 p.m. at the couple’s home on Upper Drive. Firefighters responded after receiving reports that two people were trapped inside. Emergency crews were able to rescue a woman, later identified by family members as Billie Sue, but were unable to save her husband, Jerry Fortenberry, who was found in the rear of the burning home.

Despite efforts by Pearl firefighters to revive him, Jerry did not survive the incident. The couple had been married for 59 years, and the devastating fire not only claimed Jerry’s life but also destroyed all of Billie Sue’s belongings.

Family and friends have launched a fundraiser to support Billie Sue with burial costs and essential living expenses as she begins to rebuild her life after what they describe as a heartbreaking, life-altering event.