Mary Elizabeth “Lib” Fortune Horton, of Morganton, NC passed away on February 4, 2026 one day after her 97th birthday. She was born in Dysartsville on February 3, 1929, to the late Charles Winfred Fortune and Callie Duval Fortune.
Lib, affectionately called “Mama Lib” worked as a school secretary at West Concord School which later became Burke Exceptional School and then North Liberty.
Lib loved camping, gardening, canning, making jellies and apple cider, fishing on Core Banks, and a good hotdog around the campfire. She was an exceptional cook and enjoyed experimenting on her family, creating tasty dishes for all to enjoy. Lib collected volumes of recipes and enjoyed sharing her food with everyone.
Mawmaw/Honeybun loved and was loved by her surviving son, Winfred “Fred” and wife, Nina Horton; daughters-in-law, Brenda and Terry Horton; grandchildren, Dawn Young and husband, Mark, Tabitha Horton, Harold “Hal” Horton, Jr. and wife, Laura, Katie and Sarah Horton; great-grandchildren, Andrew and Jacob Young, Eli and Holden Horton.
In addition to her parents, Lib was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Laton Alton Horton, Sr.; children, Laton Alton Horton, Jr., Harold Lee Horton, Sr.; Norma Jean Horton; sister, Mildred Fortune; brothers, Neal Fortune (Ophelia) and William Fortune (Lena).
A graveside service will be held at Burke Memorial Park on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 3pm.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Mary Elizabeth “Lib” Fortune Horton.
We all loved Aunt Lib. She was the sweetest person i n our family. I will always remember the fish fries on the ridge and the fun silly arguments we had. She will always have a place in our hearts and will miss her terribly. She is with Alton, dad,Allen, Jean. Harold and little Al in heaven. Love to all the Horton family from the McNeilly family.
Fred, Nina and family. I am very sorry to learn of your mothers passing. I miss all of you and you'll certainly be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Pat Clark
Fred I’am so sorry for your loss .Ms Horton was like a second Momo to me I enjoyed talking to her.I wished I could have seen. Her more.I would had if I was able. But we all know she is in a better place with God and family that’s gone on.
Horton family, I am so sorry for this loss. I know you are now in God's hands and that of your family. Prayers for all.
Hi Fred & Nina, I was sorry to hear about the passing of your mother & MIL. I am sure she was a special person as evidenced in her children. I enjoyed working at the High Rise, Fred, and using your services, Nina, while I was at College St./Alternative School. God Bless You as you go about things coming up. Cherish her memory.
"Ma Ma" Lib was certainly someone special with all the school children and staff wherever she worked. Appreciated her help with our classes at West Concord school.