The pendulum has swung, and this time it has come to rest with Genevieve Emelda Fortune, the beloved matriarch of our family. Genevieve Emelda Fortune, affectionately known as Jenny, was born on January 11, 1938, in Vilvorden Village, Great Troolie Island River, Guyana, South America. She was the cherished daughter of the late Samuel Fortune, also known as Cyril, and Beatrice Fortune.
Genevieve received her early education at the Great Troolie Island Church of Scotland School. She was also an avid volleyball player in her youth, with a passion for the game. After leaving school, she relocated to Bartica, where she lived with her grandmother, Ms. Maria Stewart. It was there that she began her working life, gaining employment as a chef aboard the Barrima Ferry, traveling between Parika and Bartica.
Her strong work ethic carried her through many roles over the years. She later worked with Drainage and Irrigation, contributing to Guyana’s environmental services, and served as a painter in the Transport and Harbors Department. In 1983, Genevieve joined the Guyana National Service, where she worked in the military for three years. After relocating from Parika Village to Robb Street, Bourda, she became a security officer with the Roshann Kahn Security Firm, faithfully serving until 2001, when she migrated to the United States.
Jenny did not slow down. At age 67, she returned to school and earned her Home Health Aide license, a role she proudly fulfilled for eight years. She was hard-working, strong in character, wise, deeply spiritual, and devoted to prayer. Her worth exceeded material wealth, and her life was defined by resilience, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to her family. She was truly a blessing to all who knew her, offering wisdom through her words and examples.
Genevieve never married, yet she lovingly bore and raised nine children, doing her best while remaining close to her parents until their passing. She lived for many years in Parika Village, East Bank Essequibo. She was the devoted mother of Pamella Blue (Irma); Rodwell Batson (deceased); Floyd George (deceased); Brindley Fortune; Wayne Fortune (deceased); Claire Straker; Dexter Fortune; Anita George; and Kenneth George Fortune.
She was the proud grandmother of Esha, Onika, Cecil, Shala, Latoya, Michael, Tracy, Dorigen, Rodwell Jr., Amanda, Selena, Terrence, Madacy, Modesta, Lloyd, Caresse, Crystal, Kesha, Floyd Jr., Sarah, Janelle, Hakeem, Kizzy, Abdul (deceased), Telesha, Kenroy Jr., Kareem, Tariq, Jacob, Levi, Acea, Nicoli, and Anastasia. She was also blessed to be a great-grandmother to Isaiah, Safiya, Christopher (Jamaica), Josiyah, Jahvon, Leonna, Nigel, Elias, Liam, Luciano, Emilliano, Elijah, Phoenix, Kenisha, Amirah, Amar’e, Gabriella, Josiah, Kimora, Zara, Elijah Fortune, Shekel, Uriel, and many more.
Genevieve was the beloved sister of Vincent, Filbert, Joseph, Nathan, Patricia, Neville, Edwin, and Ivan Fortune, all of whom preceded her in death. She was the treasured aunt of Denise, Sheldon, Roxanne, Valerie, Onika, Elroy (Trinidad), Brenda (deceased), June (deceased), and many others.
She was a cousin to Venus Nelson; Gloria Corbin of England; Agnes Fortune; Gwendolyn Myers; Richard Rodriguez of Florida; Una Harper (deceased); Philip Rodriguez (deceased); Valda Kilkenny (deceased); Debbie Kilkenny; and Carol Moore.
She was the loving mother-in-law of Hazel George, Trevor Straker, Gordon Blue, Kim Fortune, and Donna Batson, and grandmother-in-law of Marlon Myers of Jamaica, Leon Scott, and Elias Sandoval of Maryland.
Genevieve was a proud fraternal sister of Garland Flower Lodge in Georgetown, Guyana, and was briefly affiliated with the Eastern Star Sisters in the United States. She was a member of the Church of Christ in Guyana.
She loved gatherings, celebrations, and the joy of being surrounded by others. She wanted her memory to be a happy one. She often expressed her wish to “leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done… an echo whispering softly of happy times, laughing times, and bright and sunny days.”
Green, Green, Grass of Home by Tom Jones and I Did It My Way by Frank Sinatra, were two of her favorite songs. Indeed, Jenny lived life her way—fully, boldly, and with purpose. She was a vibrant woman, a woman of faith, and a pillar of strength. We will forever cherish the memories she leaves behind. Genevieve Emelda Fortune has gone to a better place. God bless her soul, and may she rest in eternal peace.