Fortner honored at recent Friends event

Prior to activities getting underway Monday night at the Annual Friends of the Library Dinner and Fashion Show, Keller Public Library Director Pam Trammel took a moment to recognize the contributions of Annis Fortner, a key player in the Friends of the Library for many years who died following a brief illness in August 2012. Fortner was instrumental in annually organizing the fashion show, which serves as the primary fundraiser for literacy purchases and summer reading programs at the library.

"Annis was a dedicated, award-winning activist for a broad range of health, community, and family assistance organizations," Trammell said, "and she was involved in civic leadership at the county, district, and state levels."

Trammell credited Fortner for having spent a lifetime in service to those less fortunate and those with the greatest need, advocating for the causes that were of the most benefit to the common good.

"She was especially dedicated to our library," said Trammell, "and to the Friends organization."

Fortner was elected to the position of treasurer when she attended her first Friends of the Library meeting many years ago, and held that position until her death last summer. She also served as the Friend's liaison to the Keller Public Library Board of Directors.

Annis Fortner was well known in the community for being the driving force behind many fundraising efforts, especially those of the Friends group. Trammell reminded Monday night's audience of her efforts, saying, "In preparing for this year's fashion show, we all heard her voice in our ear and felt her over our shoulder -- urging us on, reminding us of deadlines, encouraging new ideas. So, tonight we pay a heartfelt tribute to Annis Fortner, our friend for all time."