Callie Beatrice Elizabeth (Fortune) Johnson

Callie Beatrice Elizabeth Fortune Johnson age 91, departed into the loving care of the Lord peacefully with her family surrounding her at home on Wednesday, December 16. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years Mr. Javan Johnson, and by her parents Robert and Demetra Fortune McMorris, and James and Elizabeth Whiteside, grandparents Robert and Heggar Allen Shorter Fortune, and great-grandparents Savannah and Mary Robinson Allen. She was born on July 16, 1929 and was raised in the areas of Concord Road in Fletcher and the historic Shiloh community in Asheville, visiting Cleveland Ohio frequently.

She is survived by her beloved daughter Vaniece Johnson Adams (Larry Adams I) of Gastonia, and son Marvin A. Johnson (Deborah Webb Johnson) of Durham, granddaughter Shana Adams of Durham, and grandson Larry Adams II of Gastonia, and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends.

Mrs, Johnson attended Shiloh School and was a graduate of Stephens Lee High School where she played on the girls basketball team. Later she was active with her alumni class of 1947 for many years serving as treasurer. She traveled and worked independently for families periodically throughout her early adulthood in Asheville and Long Island, New York. She married Javan Johnson and they raised their family in the historic Shiloh community. She was a member of Rock Hill Missionary Baptist Church where she served the Lord faithfully on the kitchen/food/hospitality committee, as a Vacation Bible School teacher, and in other positions and committees over the years. She was a member of several community women social clubs where meetings were hosted by members in their homes. She also worked for CP Clare in Fairview and Kellwood Company in Asheville.

Gifted with the talent of sewing and a love of fashion and design, she enjoyed collecting fashion pieces. Mrs. Johnson loved to sew and create beautiful suits, handbags and numerous quilts. She participated in sewing/quilting classes regularly at Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College where she continued to enhance her skills and cultivated many friendships over the years. She was informed that she had been a student longer than all others by her AB-Tech ID number.  She also enjoyed doing alterations for family and friends. Over the years she quilted with a group of women which includes special quiltmaker/friend Vivian Ridley at the Senior Opportunity Center on Groves Street. She participated in the Allen Family Reunion meetings and attended the reunion's yearly activities for many years, being an honored elder at reunion banquets. She was also well known for her culinary talents: banana pudding, pineapple pudding, chicken and dumplings, fresh creamed corn, pound cakes and many many other dishes.

After retirement, Mrs. Johnson enjoyed yearly summer trips to Charleston, Gatlinburg, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach, Savannah, and Wilmington with her husband and family.

The quality and comfort of her later years of life were greatly enhanced due to the devoted efforts of her caregivers who served with love and devotion for several years. The family wishes to express great appreciation to beloved Louise Foster, Mable Wilson Foster, Helen Fortune Suber and Donna Rhew Suber, Dr. Peggy Noel, Lindsay Kremer and staff (State Employees Credit Union Center for Memory Care), Dr. Elaina Ori-Honeycutt, Jennifer Turner, Becky Scroggs, Ikia and staff (Four Seasons Hospice), and Caroline Laliberte and staff (First Light Home Care).

Viewing for Mrs. Callie Johnson will be held Monday December 21st from 10am till 7pm at Avery's Memorial Chapel. She will be laid to rest during a private family service. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SECU Center for Memory Care, 100 Far Horizons Lane, Asheville, NC 28803, https://memorycare.org.

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