Lee Fortune Ramsey

Lee Fortune Ramsey died peacefully in Charlottesville, Virginia November 9th, 2024 at the age of 76, after her 18-month battle with brain cancer. Those who know Lee will miss her tremendously but rest in the knowledge that the victory is hers, as she is now with her Savior.

Lee is survived by her loving children Katherine Ramsey Hawkins (Jay Hawkins) of Charlottesville, VA and Thomas Bennett Ramsey, Jr. (Stella Ramsey) of Greenville, SC as well as seven beloved grandchildren: Caroline Bennett, James Crawford V, Luke Thomas, and John Edward Hawkins and Stella Peace, Elsie Grace, and Bennett Rose Ramsey. She is preceded in death by her husband Thomas Bennett Ramsey (Tom) of Greensboro, NC and her parents Edward Lee Fortune and Lucile Henderson Fortune of Charlotte, NC.

Born on March 20, 1948 in Greensboro, NC, love of her family and service to others became the hallmarks which ultimately defined Lee. She graduated from Appalachian State University in 1971 with a degree in special education. In 1974, she married Tom and together, they started building their beautiful life in Greensboro, NC. Lee worked at both McIver and Gateway schools, caring for children with special needs before staying at home with her own children. She continued her devotion to education by returning as a teacher’s assistant at Lindley Elementary and ultimately retired after more than 25 years of service to public education. Later, she cared for her husband Tom during his fight with Parkinson’s disease, and afterwards, she returned once again to serve children with special needs by regularly volunteering at an equine therapy facility, HorsePower. There, Lee combined her love of special education and horses, becoming a regular volunteer. Most of her days were spent content at the barn, where she was perhaps best known for her incredible endurance and strength, despite her age.

Lee was a proud Clemson Tiger fan and was known for wearing her orange throughout Greensboro. She was first, though, a woman of incredible faith in the Lord. Her hope in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ carried her through the peaks and valleys of life. She prayed constantly and taught her children to have a continuous dialogue with the Lord. Through all her cancer and suffering, Lee never once doubted the goodness of God or the plan that He had for her. Her resiliency in the face of a grim diagnosis and her daily strength in dealing with innumerable life changes stemmed directly from her unwavering faith.

Her children remember her as a gentle, selfless, and tough woman who was loved by all who knew her. She would come to her children’s aid at a moment’s notice, regardless of the time of day or length of car ride. Her kind and calm demeanor was evident whenever they called with a problem, offering them patience, kindness, and wisdom. Lee was also known for finding humor in everything, even the hard and sad parts of life. She encouraged her children to laugh every day, believing it was the best way to deal with life challenges.

Lee’s unfailing love for children shined brightest in her dedication to her grandchildren. Known by her seven grandchildren as Gram, she was gifted in all things grandmother. Her ice cream breakfasts, homemade play-dough, and consistent presence at recitals, sporting events, and birthday celebrations will be missed.

Family and friends will continue to cherish the memories of Lee, who leaves an incredible legacy of strength, warmth, and love. Her life is an inspiration and encouragement to forgive often, never quit, and always accept the challenge of doing the hard things in life.

Lee’s family would like to extend deepest gratitude to UVA Health and Hospice of the Piedmont for the outstanding care that Lee received in her final year of life.

A celebration of Lee’s life is scheduled for 1pm on Friday, November 22nd, 2024 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Greensboro, NC. Lee’s family would like to invite all in attendance to join them for a reception following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Lee Ramsey to HorsePower (https://www.horsepower.org/donate).