Callie L. Fortune

Callie Jo Lineberger Fortune, 97, died Wednesday, December 4, 2002, at her home at Givens Estates, Asheville. Mrs. Fortune was born in Rock Hill, SC January 29, 1905, the daughter of the late Joseph Branch and Eva Maude Lockman Lineberger. She grew up in a preacher’s family which meant frequent moves in both North and South Carolina and eventually a move to Los Angeles, CA. She began playing piano at the age of five and never stopped. She studied music throughout her education and completed her B.A. degree from UCLA in 1926. Subsequently she taught piano to many young students. Up until a month before her death, Callie Jo was still playing the piano at the nursing facility at Givens Estates. This was a wonderful gift which brought her and those around her much joy throughout her life. Callie Jo married the late Stonewall Jackson Fortune in 1930 and instantly became mother to Jack’s three children. She was devoted to her family and her daughter Beverly arrived to complete the family. Mr. Fortune had established and operated Fortune’s Hardware Store in West Asheville for many years and after his retirement they spent their time between Clearwater, FL and a cabin in Mills River. Jack and Callie were active members of Trinity United Methodist Church in West Asheville until his death in 1966. During that time Callie as the assistant organist for the church. She is survived by a daughter, Beverly Jo McClendon of Houston, TX; two step-daughters, Emily Baldwin of Asheville and Clara Gallimore of Greensboro; a stepson, Albert Fortune of Asheville; three grandchildren and six step-grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am Sunday in the Patton Avenue chapel of Groce Funeral Home with the Rev. Joe Fulk officiating. Burial will be at Green Hills Cemetery. Her family will receive friends from 7 - 8:30 pm Saturday at the funeral home and request that memorials be made to Mountain Area Hospice, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28803.