Cleopatra Gaines Fortune

Cleo was born on Friday, July 18, 1930 to parents Bennie and Rosa Gaines in Hustle, Virginia. On Sunday, July 16, 2023, Cleo was called from her earthly journey to her heavenly home by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Cleo was preceded in death by her husband Russell; parents Bennie and Rosa Gaines; brothers: Morrell, Herman, Clinton, Bennie, Oscar and Hollis; sisters: Velna, Eunice, Lorraine and Jacqueline, son-in-law Samuel Mayes, grandson Matthew Mayes and great-grandson Micah Phillips.

Cleo was baptized at an early age by the late Reverend William A. Young and became a member of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Hustle, Virginia.

She attended public schools in Essex and Caroline Counties graduating from Union High School in Bowling Green, Virginia. She was a member of the National Honor Association, now known as the National Honor Society. Cleo was voted Most Dependable student her senior year at Union High School.

Cleo was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Russell C. Fortune. From this union, seven children were born. They lived in Hustle until 1956, then moved to Central Point, Virginia. Cleo remained there until her passing.

She enjoyed her indoor and outdoor flowers and plants, needle point, crossword puzzles, soap operas, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Her favorite movie was “The Wizard of Oz.”

Cleo attended St. Stephen’s Baptist Church (SSBC) regularly until the pandemic in 2020. She was a member of the Usher Board, participating in the Usher’s annual day, assisting in the Women’s Day Rally, and the Building Fund Drive. Cleo truly enjoyed participating in the annual Christmas play at SSBC,

Cleo leaves to cherish precious memories five sons: Dwight, Shelby, Yogi, Bruce and Ken; two daughters: Sherald Mayes and Kathy Fortune; one sister Clara Byrd; two brothers: Trent and Hugh Gaines; one daughter-in-law, Lana Fortune; two sisters-in-law: Helen and Emily Gaines; eight grandchildren, numerous great and great-great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and adored friends.

Please note burial will be held at the St. Stephens Baptist Church Cemetery in Central Point.