Adelaide Fortune Holderness

Adelaide was woman of strong faith, fine character and true beauty. Her curiosity and sense of humor attracted friends of all ages. Most importantly, our beloved "Tutu" was a devoted wife and the remarkable matriarch of eighty-eight children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Adelaide was born on January 10, 1913 to the late Alexander Fletcher Fortune, M.D. and Edna Wootten Fortune. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard "Chick" Holderness, and her brother, Dr. Benjamin F. Fortune.

She is survived by her children and their many descendants including Lucinda Holderness of Chapel Hill; Howard Holderness, Jr. and wife, Mary of Greensboro, Sandra Davis and husband Lawrence of Raleigh; and Richard Holderness and wife, Julie and Pam Hassenfelt and husband Steve all of Greensboro.

Adelaide was a proud life long resident of Greensboro. She attended Greensboro Senior High and graduated from Woman's College, now UNC-Greensboro in 1934. Adelaide and Chick married in 1936 and began a wonderful 56-year love story. They adored and respected each other and always centered their lives on faith, family and community. Both served as active leaders in First Presbyterian Church and would often tell their children "service is the rent we pay for God's gift of living on this earth."

Adelaide was a firm believer in civic responsibility, and dedicated much of her time to the betterment of her community. She was the former President of the Junior League and served on the Board of Directors of The Children's Home Society, United Arts Council, Community Chest, YWCA, and the Council of Social Agencies. In 1982 she was named Greensboro's Woman of the Year in recognition of her leadership in civic affairs. As a loyal daughter of North Carolina, she loved her work as the President of the North Carolina Museum of History Associates and as a member of the Tryon Palace Commission.

Her most enduring community legacy will be her tireless work on behalf of higher education in North Carolina. In addition to her service on the UNCG Board of Trustees, Adelaide was the chair of the Alumni Association, board member of the Weatherspoon Gallery Association, leader of the Centennial Planning Board and the catalyst in establishing four major scholarship programs, including the Holderness Fellowships for graduate study in the arts. She received an honorary LLD degree from UNC-G in 1975 and the Centennial Award in 1992. Her passion for higher education extended beyond her alma mater to the larger UNC system. Adelaide was one of the first women selected for the new consolidated Board of Trustees of the University Of North Carolina and served from 1967-1972, when she was elected to the restructured UNC Board of Governors. She was the first woman to have a major leadership role on the board, serving as vice chairman from 1976-80. Adelaide and Chick's interest and generosity extended to support for medical education at UNC. They established the Alexander F. Fortune Biomedical Computation Center in 1970 and the Holderness Medical Fellowship Program in 1981 to provide additional training to promising medical students. In 1984, Adelaide and Chick became the first couple to receive the University Award, which is the highest honor bestowed by the UNC Board of Governors.

We extend our love and gratitude to Linda Murrell, Margaret Cheek, and Dr. Tom Brackbill, and appreciate the invaluable love, support and care provided by Comfort Keepers and Hospice of the Piedmont.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 18th at 11 am at First Baptist Church. The family will receive friends following the service.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to First Presbyterian Church, 617 N. Elm Street, Greensboro, NC 27401; University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 1000 Spring Garden Street, Greensboro, NC 27403; Hospice of the Piedmont, 1801 Westchester Dr., High Point, NC 27262 or the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com Hanes Lineberry N. Elm Chapel is assisting the Holderness family.