CHESAPEAKE—Lessie Coleen Sorenson, 81, died May 10, 2008, surrounded by her family.

Mrs. Sorenson was a native of Mount Olive, N.C., and lived in the Tidewater area since 1945.

She was an avid gardener and was a loving mother, sister, grandmother and friend who will be deeply missed.

Survivors include her four children, Joanne Minehan and husband Henry of Virginia Beach, William H. Bailey of Chesapeake, Wanda “Ashley” Cunningham and husband Patrick of Virginia Beach and Stephaine Johnson and husband John of Franklin; seven brothers and sisters, all residing in North Carolina; as well as 10 grandchildren, Heather E. Somervail, William H. Bailey Jr., Manda Minehan, Deana Harrison, Brandy Weatherly, Tommy Davis, Lisa Brown, Shauna Cunningham, Summer Cunningham and Brian Johnson; and five great-grandchildren, Alex Russell, Emily Russell, Kayla Davis, Arden Harrison and Avery Harrison. She was preceded in death by her first and second husbands, H.L. “Bill” Bailey and Glenn A. Sorenson.

A funeral will be held in the funeral home chapel today at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be made at www.hdoliver.com

H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Laskin Road Chapel, Virginia Beach.

Special thanks to Dr. Briggs, Dr. Jo, 3 East and ICU nursing staff of Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital for their wonderful care they provided for our mother.