Sue B. Fortune

1952 - 2025

Sue B. Fortune

December 8, 1952 - March 1, 2025

On the morning of March 1, 2025, Sue Barnett Fortune of Charlottesville and Powhatan, Va., passed away peacefully, at home, with her loving family by her side. With dignity, grace, and faith, she released herself from her battle with ALS. She was 72 years old.

Born in Charlottesville on December 8, 1952, Sue was the daughter of the late Joyce Trainum Barnett and the late George Calvin Barnett. Sue grew up in Charlottesville, attending Johnson Elementary, Buford Middle, and Lane High School (class of 1971). In third grade, at the age of ten, Sue met her classmate and friend, Theodore Fortune, Jr. (Ted). During her 10th grade year, her family moved into a home on Hill Street, next door to Ted and his family. It was during this time that Sue and Ted's friendship grew stronger. Together, they attended school and church and socialized at each other's homes. Their friendship blossomed into a courtship, and eventually, they became inseparable. Sue and Ted were married March 24, 1973, at First Christian Church on Market Street. Together, they built a wonderful life, raising two loving children who, according to Sue, became their greatest accomplishment. Sue and Ted's marriage was filled with love, joy, laughter, and companionship for nearly 52 years, until Sue's passing. During her illness, Ted never left her side, serving as nurse, caretaker, and companion, keeping her spirits up, keeping her comfortable, and advocating for her, ensuring that she received the best care possible.

Sue was a loving mother and grandmother, finding joy and taking pride in the lives of her children and grandson. Sue is survived by a daughter, Kelly Allen, and Kelly's husband, John; a son, Jeremy Fortune, and his wife, Tara, all of Powhatan, Va. With open arms, Sue welcomed John and Tara into the family and loved them as if they were her own children. Sue admired and appreciated John's culinary skills and was extremely thankful that John took it upon himself to prepare amazing holiday meals for the family. She especially loved John's perfect pimento cheese, which he regularly prepared for her. Sue's final three weeks were spent at home, in hospice care, surrounded by her adoring family. During this time, it was Sue's wish that her daughter-in-law, Tara, stay by her side. Tara honored that wish by selflessly providing care, comfort, compassion, and friendship to Sue during her final weeks. Also surviving Sue is a grandson, Wyatt Fortune, who she cherished. To Wyatt, she was Mimi. Sue loved nothing more than reading to Wyatt when he was young. Their favorite book was "Goodnight Moon." Mimi would call Wyatt often to talk about the moon, the stars, and how important it was for children to be kind and respectful. Sue and Wyatt shared a bond like no other. Despite the many complications and limitations from ALS, Sue looked forward to attending Wyatt's lacrosse games, especially the home games at Benedictine College Prep. Sue is also survived by a sister, Peggy Barnett of Charlottesville; two brothers, Calvin Barnett of Winston-Salem, N.C., and Robert Barnett of Stanley, Va.; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins, including a very special cousin, Onie Park of Palmyra, whom Sue loved like a sister.

Sue worked for the Albemarle County School System for 33 years, all of which were spent at Meriwether Lewis Elementary School in Ivy. Sue began her career at Meriwether Lewis as a teacher's assistant before moving into an administrative assistant role in the school office. She loved what she did at Meriwether and cared deeply for the faculty, staff, students, and parents in Ivy. Sue had an eye for interior design, which was evident in the way she decorated and kept her homes. Many have said that she missed her calling as an interior designer. It was her love of home décor that led her to a part-time position at Caspari, on Charlottesville's Downtown Mall, where she worked for more than a decade. Sue built many lasting friendships through her work at Meriwether Lewis and Caspari. She had a gift for conversation and never met a stranger. She truly was a people person.

In 2019, Sue retired from work, and Ted retired shortly thereafter. Soon after retiring, Sue and Ted made the difficult decision to leave their beloved Charlottesville and move to Powhatan County to be closer to their children and grandson. They built a beautiful home in the Scottville community in the Village of Powhatan. The neighbors and residents of Scottville welcomed Sue and Ted with open arms. Many meaningful friendships have resulted from Sue and Ted's time in Powhatan. The outpouring of love and support from their friends was exactly what Sue and Ted needed as they faced the many challenges that came with Sue's ALS diagnosis. Today, the community continues to support Ted as he mourns the loss of his precious wife.

The family appreciates all the care Sue received from the medical professionals and staff at the University of Virginia Medical Center, especially the Department of Neurology's ALS Clinic. Sue regarded Dr. Matthew Elliot, Dr. Eric Davis, and the entire staff of the ALS Clinic as friends. The family would also like to thank the amazing team at Heartland Hospice of Chesterfield, whose care allowed Sue to spend her final weeks at home, in comfort, surrounded by her family.

In honoring Sue's wishes, no services were held. Please take a moment to remember her in your own way and continue to cherish the memories you shared. To honor Sue's memory and her fight against ALS, please consider donations in Sue's name to the ALS Association (www.als.org).