Mrs. Sandra Zirkle Fortner, 80, of Columbia, passed away on 15 November 2023. Born in Logan, West Virginia on 3 August 1943, she was the daughter of the late Herman Druie Zirkle and Lovada Ratliff Zirkle. She graduated from Huntington East High School in Huntington, West Virginia and continued her education earning a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Carolina.

Sandra worked as a laboratory assistant before becoming a proud Army wife and mother. She had the gift of hospitality and was loved by all who knew her always having kind and encouraging words for everyone. In addition to her responsibilities as an officer's wife, Sandra also volunteered in many Army and civic organizations as well as with her children's activities/schools. She was quick with a smile and always saw the best in people.

Sandra enjoyed traveling, exploring, reading, poetry, and most especially trips to the beach. Her creativity was evident in her sewing, knitting, quilting, and party planning. She loved her family deeply and enjoyed spending time with them playing games, visiting the Zoo, and touring museums. While she moved often as an Army wife, she grew deep roots wherever she was enriching the lives of those who knew her.

Sandra was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. She is preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Bryant Reeves Fortner, Jr. She is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Speed (Kevin); son, David Fortner (Catalina); grandchildren, Rebecca Speed, Daniel Speed, Matthew Speed, Jacob Fortner, and Hennecy Fortner; cousin, Alvin Ratliff (Shanise); sister-in-law, Helen Moorhead (Fred); niece, Kelly Moorhead, and her daughter Melanie.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to all the nurses and caregivers from Amedisys Hospice and Retire Ease who helped make Sandra comfortable at home during her battle. A special thank you is extended to Annabelle Outlaw, Teresa Hinton, and Connie Pressler for their exceptional care of Sandra.

A Celebration of Life for Mrs. Fortner will be held at 2 o'clock on Sunday, November 19th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 1 o'clock. The graveside will be held at 10 o'clock on Tuesday, November 21st, at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to The American Cancer Society.