Gela O. Portee passed away peacefully and suddenly on Sunday, April 14th 2019 at her family home in Louisa Virginia. Born April 16th, 1924, she was daughter to Obie Diah and Byrdella Gooch. She was the last surviving family member of her sisters, Gertie, Anne Ella "Nannie," Jennie Thompson, Ionia Williams, Sallie Spearman and Hattie Sandidge and brothers, Charlie, Obie and Percy Gooch.

She touched the lives of many and found Christ at an early age where she devoted her life to her Church and family. She was a long-standing member of the Union Baptist Church and attended services regularly until commuting from Washington became a challenge. In August 2009, she was granted the honor of becoming the Mother of Church, to include her recognition as a Deaconess.

After moving to the District of Columbia (D.C.) where she lived with her husband Wiley for over 50 years, Gela retired from a successful career working for the Department of Commerce. But, due to declining health which required constant care they moved to Fairfax, Virginia in 2012 to live with her son and daughter-in-law. Between Fairfax and many trips to her precious farm in Louisa, Gela spent another five years enjoying family care and life and being at the farm. In June of 2018 with continued decline in health for both, it was her wish to "go home" and with the help of caregivers, her son was able to fulfill her wish where she enjoyed life until her sudden passing on Sunday.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years Wiley. Her son Dorian and daughter-in-law Linda, her grand-daughter Brittany and Brittany's mother Nancy, her step-granddaughters Stephanie, Beverley and Abby and her adorable great-grandchildren Jaziah and Avery, and finally many precious nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. in The Sun Chapel Louisa.

Viewing at the church on Saturday, April 20, 2019 from 9:30am until the hour of the services.

Celebration of Life Service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, April 20, 2019 at Union Baptist Church 1546 Vawter Corner Road Louisa, VA 23093. Interment will follow in the Gooch Family Cemetery.