On August 5th, 2021 Cecilia Stroud peacefully took her final journey to heaven.  She was 101. When you have someone for the length of time the family had a mom, grandma, great-grandma and wife you feel like they will always be here because she literally has been! She touched so many people's lives during her lifetime as a friend, Sunday school teacher and confidante; sharing her faith wherever she was. Her love for God and family was apparent in everything she did. She loved fiercely, never took no for an answer, kept my father on his toes and was the ultimate mamma bear.  Boy was she feisty!!!  She was married 70 years to her loving husband, Jesse Stroud. He cared for her right up until her last days when he was forced to let others step in. His devotion to Cecilia was evident to everyone they came in contact with. She was definitely ready for this journey and said as much to her daughter a few days ago when she opened her eyes & and asked if she was in heaven yet.  Her family was able to be with her as she ended her earthly journey and made it to the last place she wanted to go…Heaven. An intimate graveside service will be held promptly at 9am on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at Albert G Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Rd., Suffolk, VA 23434.   The family will receive guests at a future date and time.

She is survived by her husband, Jesse; daughters, Carol Stroud of Arlington, VA, Elizabeth Baldwin of San Diego, CA, Robin Benjamin & husband Ray of Ashburn, VA; grandchildren, Brian Kelly (Meredith) of Raleigh, NC, Paul Kelly (Cory) of Yucca Valley, CA, Andrea Strickhouser (Kevin) of Newport News, VA, Nicole Hatchett (Michael) of Newport News, VA, Jessica Baldwin and sister Carly Baldwin of San Diego, CA, Maya Baylen (Matt) of Brooklyn, NY, Ray Benjamin and sister Riley Benjamin of Ashburn, VA; and great grandchildren, Alli & Lexie Strickhouser, Lilly, June & Hannah Kelly, Madeline Kelly, Collyn and Dylan Hatchett and Teo Baylen. Cecilia was preceded in death by her loving daughter, Susan Kelly Watkins, and her son in law Christopher Baldwin.