Gladys Marie Fortune

Gladys Marie Fortune, affectionately known as “Sis,” peacefully entered eternal rest on June 24, 2025, at the age of 93. A lifelong resident of Port Royal, Virginia, she was born on May 24, 1932, to the late Mamie Elizabeth Baylor and Richard William Dickerson. She was the second of four daughters and was deeply rooted in faith, family, and service.

Gladys accepted Christ at the tender age of six and was baptized in 1938, beginning a lifelong walk with God that would shape her values and guide her every step. She became a devoted member of Shiloh Baptist Church (Port Royal), where her faith was both nurtured and lived out in service. In the 1960s, she joined the church choir, lifting her voice in praise, and in 1999, she further deepened her commitment by joining the Usher Board, where she greeted members and visitors with warmth, grace, and a welcoming spirit. Though she visited other churches in her later years, Shiloh always remained her spiritual home.

Academically gifted, Gladys was accepted into the nursing program at Virginia State University.  However, life had other plans. In 1948, she chose love over career, marrying the love of her life, Oliver Fortune, with whom she shared a beautiful and enduring union. Together, they raised four children and built a life centered on love, service, and family.

Gladys was a hard-working woman who took great pride in her career. She worked for many years as a food service worker at Fort A.P. Hill, where her dedication and nurturing spirit touched many lives until her retirement. She was also known for her earlier work at Aunt Sarah’s Restaurant, where her talent in the kitchen and care for others shone brightly. 

Following Oliver’s passing in 2014, Gladys stepped forward with quiet strength to fill his seat on the Port Royal Town Council, continuing the legacy they had built together. From 2014 to 2020, she served with passion, dignity, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of her community. Her wisdom, steady presence, and deep love for her hometown left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of working with her.

Gladys was a woman of extraordinary warmth, humor, and generosity. She had a gift for making people feel seen, heard, and at home. Her nurturing nature extended far beyond her immediate family—she was a second mother and grandmother to many. Whether through a heartfelt conversation, a gentle piece of advice, or a plate full of her delicious home-cooked soul food, she poured love into every interaction. Feeding people wasn’t just something she did—it was a part of who she was.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Oliver Fortune, her parents, Mamie and Richard, and sisters, Mary Ann and June. Her legacy lives on through her devoted children: Oliver Jr. of The Villages, Florida; Towanda of Fredericksburg, VA; Richard (Tawana) of Chesapeake, VA; and Kimberly (Melvin) of Pickerington, Ohio. She is also survived by her loving sister, Jeanne Maclean of Jupiter, Florida, and her brother, Thomas Bundy of Columbia, Maryland. Her memory will be cherished by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, church family, and the many friends and neighbors whose lives she touched.

Gladys Marie Fortune was a beacon of faith, a pillar of strength, and a vessel of love. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, service, and deep-rooted community impact. She will be missed beyond words but remembered with joy, reverence, and endless gratitude.

Per the family request in lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Port Royal Fire Department.

Please do not send flowers per request of the family.  Thanks in advance.