Bertha Inez Fortune-Pitts, affectionately known as "Big Momma" was born on April 22, 1946, to the late Lawrence Fortune, Sr. and Evelyn B. Fortune.

On September 8, 2015, at the Bowling Green Health and Rehabilitation Center, she hung up her apron and went to receive her heavenly crown surrounded by her family and loved ones. God closed her eyes and said, "come on home and rest."

At an early age, she joined Rappahannock Baptist Church and then moved her memberhip to Grace Baptist Church. She then, by Christian experience, became a full pledged member of St. Stephen's Baptist Church. She loved church, singing, listening and learning the word of God.

On December 25, 2010, she married George W. Pitts.

Big Momma loved many things in life, but most of all, she "loved." Inez loved her family and she loved them hard. She loved kids, taking care of her parents and daughter. If you ever needed anything, she would do her very best to support you. Inez loved to cook, talking on the phone and would always say, "it feels good to laugh."

She was preceded in death by her daughter Evelyn Denise Fortune and three brothers, James W. Fortune, Bennie B. Fortune and Lawrence Fortune, Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memory, one daughter, Carrie L. Chamberlain; one son, George M. Fortune; one favorite son-in-law, McArthur Chamberlain, Jr.; one granddaughter, Erika L. Chamberlain; one sister, Carrie L. Rollins; two brothers, Eddie Fortune and Buster R. Fortune; three sisters-in-law, Blanche Fortune, Clara Fortune and Shirley Fortune; one aunt, Clara Byrd; two loving and wonderful caregivers, Diane Rolllins and Nichole Fortune; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins,, other relatives and one grand-dog, Mopar Chamberlain.

A viewing will be held Friday, September 11, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at C. W. Edwards Funeral Home, Inc. 16476 Richmond Turnpike, Bowling Green, Virginia 22427 and one hour before the service on Saturday at the church,

A celebration of life will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 12, at First Mt. Zion Baptist Church 17065 Seals Road, Sparta, Virginia 22552 with Rev. William Gibson delivering the eulogy. Interment wlll follow in the St. Stephens Baptist Church Cemetery 29436 Sparta Road, Milford, Virginia 22514