On November 6, 2024 our beloved Mrs. Fannie Mae King Fitzgerald gently passed into eternal rest at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on February 28, 1935 in Blair, South Carolina to William King and Alberta R. King, Fannie Mae brought light, love and grace to all those fortunate to know her.

A member of Files Chapel Baptist Church, Fannie Mae served her faith and community wholeheartedly, including her time on the kitchen committee. Her commitment to others extended beyond her church family to her work, retiring after many dedicated years at Henry Link Furniture where she built cherished friendships and left an impression of kindness and integrity.

Fannie Mae's life was defined by love, strength and resilience. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John E. Fitzgerald, who was her steadfast partner; her children, James "Jimbo" King and Sharon King; a grandson, Antwan King; three brothers: William, John and Jimmy Lee King; and sisters, Lillian Green and Roberta K. Hall. The loss of each of these loved ones only deepened the compassion and strength she shared with those who remained.

Her legacy lives on in her children, who were the joy and pride of her life: her son, Tony Fitzgerald and his wife, Beverly Garcia-Fitzgerald; her daughters: Beverly Fitzgerald and her companion, Billy Williams, Michelle McNeair and Crystal Johnson and her husband, Michael Johnson. Fannie Mae's spirit also lives on in her sister, Allean Parker; her twelve grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a dear friend, Shirley Lopp. Fannie Mae is also remembered fondly by her former daughters-in-law, Patricia King and Kaye Fitzgerald and a vast circle of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who all carry forward her love, laughter and generosity.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Patricia Horton, Donna Owens and her daughters, and Emma Jean Howell for their boundless love and kindness to Fannie over the years. Your care and compassion brought her comfort and joy, and your presence in her life has been a true blessing.

Family, friends and loved ones will gather to honor her memory in a Homegoing Service on Wednesday at 2:00 pm at Files Chapel Baptist Church, with a family visitation beginning at 1:30 pm. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at South Lexington City Cemetery.

As we say goodbye, we are comforted by the knowledge that Fannie Mae's legacy of love will forever remain in our hearts. She touched lives with grace, strengthened others with her quiet resilience, and filled every space she entered with light. She will be dearly missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege to know her.