Helen Whitley Fortune

Mrs. Helen Faribault Whitley Fortune, 102, of East Bend, passed away on July 13, 2024 in her home. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, July 18, 2024 at East Bend United Methodist Church, 224 Main St., East Bend, NC, 27018. A visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 pm on Wednesday July 17, 2024 at Gentry Family Funeral Service, 428 East Main St., East Bend, NC, 27018. Burial will be on Friday, July 19, 2024 at 2:00 at Clayton City Cemetery, Clayton, NC.

Mrs. Fortune was born on March 22, 1922 in Clayton, NC as one of nine children. She graduated from Clayton High School in 1939 and attended Hardbarger Business College in Raleigh. After graduation she worked for the Greyhound Corporation, and then for the NC Parole Commission as a legal secretary under governors Melville Broughton, Greg Cherry and Kerr Scott.

In 1950 she married Charles W. Fortune and moved to East Bend. She and her husband maintained residence together until his passing in 2012, and afterwards she remained in their home until her passing. Her son David and his wife, Neena, lived with her during the last 2 and one half years, making it possible for her to stay in her home.

While raising their three children, Mrs. Fortune became active in many community groups and held many officer positions. As a member of the East Bend Firemen’s Auxiliary she served as President and secretary for several years, and assisted in the barbecue chicken suppers that were held. She served as President and secretary of the East Bend Extension Homemaker’s Club, with 35 years of membership. In the 60’s she was President of the Community Development Association of East Bend, and began substituting in Yadkin County Schools. Also during this time, she was a Den mother for the local Cub Scouts, and many locals may remember her chaperoning kids to Tanglewood Park for swimming lessons. She was a member of the United Methodist Church and was involved in the UMC Women’s Group. She participated in fundraising for the new firehouse and new library. Both she and Mr. Fortune participated in the volunteer reading program for approximately 30 years.

Mrs. Fortune accompanied her husband on approximately 35 annual reunion trips held for the men, and their families, who served on the USS NEW YORK Battleship during World War II. These trips took them to various locations around our country, and many lifelong friends were made. Even after Mr. Fortune passed away in 2012, Mrs. Fortune was accompanied by her family and able to enjoy approximately five more reunions. She became famous for her delicious coffeecakes that she baked and shared with these friends and many other people throughout the years. Her southern sweet tea, homemade biscuits and chicken salad were delightful treats also.

Mrs. Fortune is survived by her three children, Charles W. Fortune, Jr. of Garner, David (Neena) Fortune of Raleigh, and Elizabeth Gillie of Topping, VA.; five grandchildren, Carly (Dan) Redding, Lindsay (Charlie) Felker, Nicholas (Ciara) Fortune, Rebecca Gillie, and Caitlin Gillie; six great grandchildren, Elliot Felker, Charlotte Felker, Callahan Fortune, Darby Fortune, Mack Fortune, Mae Redding; one step great grandchild, Dylan Redding; one sister-in-law, Doris Fortune; numerous nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Fortune was preceded in death by her parents, W. I. Whitley and Nina Duncan Whitley; brothers, Gus, Judson, Duke, and Carl Whitley; sisters, Elizabeth Conner, Angela Brown, Margaret Rasor, and Yvanne Whitley.

The family wishes to thank the nurses, CNA’s and staff of Trellis Supportive Care for their kind care and support during the past month. We also are thankful for her faithful friend/companion, Debra Bryant.

Mrs. Fortune adored her grandchildren and spent as much time as she could with them. The grandchildren, in turn, enjoyed numerous trips with both her and Mr. Fortune. The love shared between them is immeasurable. She will truly be missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, memorials and contributions may be made to Friends of East Bend Public Library, 420 Flint Hill Rd. East Bend, NC 27018, or to East Bend United Methodist Church Trust Fund, c/o Jerry Wall, P O Box 117, East Bend, NC 27018, or to East Bend United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, c/o Jerry Wall, P O Box 117, East Bend, NC 27018.