Louise Bernice Frye Fortune

In the morning hours on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, Virginia.  Louise quietly answered God's call and departed this life on earth.

Louise Bernice Frye Fortune was born May 23, 1943, in Caroline County, Virginia. She was the only child of the late Thomas and Eloise Frye. She was often referred to by the nicknames Lou, Bernice, Mamma, and Fatty.

Louise was educated in the Caroline County School System. She accepted Christ as her personal Savior at a young age. Shiloh Baptist Church, Bowling Green was her passion when she was not working. Earlier in her Christian journey, she enjoyed working with the various ministries of the church such as, the choir, Usher Board, and the Pastor's Aide Ministry.

One consistent aspect of Lou's life from high school was her love for Floyd E. Fortune, Sr. They married on November 1, 1959, beginning 63 years of holy matrimony. To their union three sons were born. Their oldest son passed away as an infant.  Floyd, Jr. and Dwight became the center of her life. Lou took great pride in her role as a mother as she believed "children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him"(Psalm 127:3).

She was a woman who valued family and poured every ounce of herself into her roles as a wife, mother, daughter, mother-in -law, God mom, and a friend. Lou had a quiet demeanor but was known for her quick wit and coconut pies. She will be clearly missed by her loved ones, who celebrate the fact that she is at peace with the Creator.

Louise had a long career serving in the Juvenile Justice System. After 32 years of service, 23 of those years were at RDC (DJJ Reception and Diagnostic Center) . She retired from the Department of Juvenile

Justice in 2001. She became the first part time employee hired at the newly opened James River for 17 years until leaving in 2018, ending her 49 years of loyal service to the juvenile system.

She leaves to cherish precious memories, her devoted husband Floyd E. Fortune, Sr. two sons Floyd Jr. (Jackie) and Dwight (Sharon), three grandchildren Brandon Fortune (Monique), Dr. Mieke Fortune, and Cameron Fortune and one great grandson Bryce Fortune. Two aunts Pearl James and Alice Jackson, two God children Mary Boone and Derrick Lyndsey, a dedicated care giver Doris Chapman, angels of love-Helen Johnson, Darlene Boxley, Johnny Frye and MacArthur Pleasants (Mousey), and a host of family and friends who are too numerous to be listed

A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday  July 21, 2023 at C.W. Edwards Funeral Home, Inc. 16476 Richmond Turnpike, Bowling Green, Virginia 22427.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at St. John Baptist Church, 17080 South River Road, Woodford, Virginia 22580, with a viewing one hour prior to the service.

Burial will follow in Mt. Lawn Cemetery, Woodford, Virginia 22580.

A repast  will take place at  Upper Caroline Fire Department, 12581 Stonewall Jackson Road, Woodford, Virginia 22580.