Virginia Mae (Bowser) Fleetwood Cherry

       With humbled submission to the will of God, we stand with this precious family to honor the life and legacy of Missionary Virginia Mae Bowser Fleetwood Cherry, who was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. She was one that loved her family with all her heart, and not only nurtured her family, but enriched the lives of many.

          Virginia graced the earth with her angelic presence On Thursday, June 18, 1936.  She was born to the parentage of the late Ernest Bowser, Sr. and Lorene Jacobs Bowser, in Rich Square (Northampton County), North Carolina. While being reared in the Bowser residence by her parents, Virginia received her formal education while attending W.S. Creecy High School; graduating 3rd academically with the Class of 1955. Upon completion of High School, she ventured to the metropolis of New York to pursue a career in nursing.  Realizing that she missed home, she decided to return to Rich Square where she met the love of her life. During the course of that year she united in Holy Matrimony to Joe Willie ‘Monk’ Fleetwood in 1956. After many years of love her husband, preceded her in death. She later met and married Alvin Bernard Cherry, whom preceded her in death on December 21, 2017.  

       At a young age, Virginia gave her life to Christ, was baptized and joined the First Baptist Church of Rich Square, where she served faithfully.  She was an enthusiastic and dedicated member of the Missionary Circle, the Pastor’s Aide Ministry, the Ladies’ Aide Ministry, Sunday School Class #11, Vacation Bible School, Christian Board of Education, Culinary Committee, Senior Choir member and former Usher. Virginia loved her church and her church family.  She held all of her offices and opportunities for ministry in high regards and was often called on for guidance!

       “Who can find a virtuous woman? She is worth far more than rubies” (Proverbs 31:10). Virginia’s qualities of hard work, fear of God, respect she had for her husband, love for her children, foresight, encouragement, care for others, concern for the poor and love for her family, all led her to a life of enjoyment, honor and worth. Yes, Missionary Virginia was the epitome of “A Virtuous Woman.”  As a compassionate and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she found great joy in spending quality time with her family who she loved dearly.  Family meant the world to Virginia and she always put family first. She did this in seeking opportunities to provide for them by becoming gainfully employed with Mylcraft Inc, of Rich Square,  as a Line Supervisor in the sewing department, for over 35 years.  Virginia also became interested in the funeral service industry and sought an opportunity to serve as an office assistant and lady attendant for several years. 

       Missionary Virginia  loved unconditionally. Her love was not limited to just family, but it was shared throughout the community and the county. Virginia was passionate about being there for her family, and she also loved gardening. As an avid gardener she grew, harvested, cooked and canned vegetables. Often times saving enough for the winter season and giving to other family members. She applied the word according to the Apostle Paul in Galatians 5:14: “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this you shall love your neighbor as yourself”. She also loved to bake and make her specialty - peanut  candy. Some of her favorite past times included traveling, sewing, quilting and watching the Edge of Night. She even became famous – as the wife of a contestant on “The Price is First”. She also collectively hosted with her siblings, many family reunions which numbered more than thirty-four annual gatherings at Lake Gaston.

        “ After the clouds, the sunshine; after the winter, the spring; After the shower, the rainbow;  for life is a changeable thing.  After the night, the morning, bidding all darkness cease, After life’s cares and sorrows, the comfort and sweetness of peace.” On Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 1:22 a.m. God, in His infinite wisdom,  released Virginia from the cares and sufferings of this life and transitioned her from labor to a place of eternal rest. In addition to her parents and beloved spouse, Virginia was preceded in death by: one son, Joe Willie Fleetwood, Jr., who died as an infant; and numerous other loving relatives,  who await the second coming of Christ.  

          Virginia’s blessed life, unconditional love and endearing legacy will be forever cherished by:  three children, Gregory Fleetwood, Sr. of the home, Karl Fleetwood (Phyllis) of Brandon, Florida and Shenethia Ray (Thomas) of Morrisville, North Carolina; son-at-heart, Warren Collins of New Jersey; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren;  one sister, Joyce B. Peterson of Jackson, North Carolina; one brother, Eugene Bowser (Alice) of Bronx, New York; sisters-in-law, Willie Mae Bowser and Essie Bowser both of Rich Square, North Carolina, Viola Drew of Patterson, New Jersey, Doris Brown and Saludia Davis both of Poughkeepsie, New York; brother-in-law, Hollis Cherry (Rosa) of Rich Square, North Carolina; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends whom she loved dearly.

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Missionary Fleetwood-Cherry's' tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family. 

The Caring Team of T. L. Faison's Funeral Care, LLC is privileged to provide

"Professional Care, With Dignity & Integrity" 

to the family of Missionary Virginia Mae Bowser Fleetwood Cherry.

We ask that you unite with us in remembering the family in both thought and prayer. 

***TO ENSURE DESIRED FLORAL SELECTIONS AND A TIMELY DELIVERY,

PLEASE PLACE ORDERS THE DAY PRIOR TO THE FIRST VIEWING OF DECEASED***

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