Past AFMC President (1975-1977)

Maxine (Mrs. John) Fortenberry, longtime Federation member who lived in Little Rock, Arkansas died November 12, 2018 at 88 years of age. She was very active in the Arkansas Federation of Music Clubs and the National Federation of Music Clubs.

Mrs. Fortenberry served as President of the Arkansas Federation from 1975-1977. A major project during her term was coordinating Arkansas Days in Washington, D.C. as part of the Nation’s Bicentennial celebration. This event included a concert by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra in the Kennedy Center, as well as concerts by four Arkansas school and college groups.

Mrs. Fortenberry served the National Federation of Music Clubs in various capacities in the 1970’s and 1980’s including National Rating Chairman, American Music Month National Chairman and Southwest District Coordinator. She was also in charge of program preparation for the National Fall Board meeting in Hot Springs, Arkansas in 1972.

Mrs. Fortenberry was also active in two local music clubs, the Little Rock Musical Coterie, and the Jonesboro Nocturne Club. She held numerous positions in both clubs including the presidency.

Other musical organizations in which Mrs. Fortenberry was active were Inspiration Point Fine Arts Colony, Opera of the Ozarks, Arkansas Arts Center and Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Guild. She was a member and soloist of her church choirs and collegiate and community choral groups for over fifty years.

A Memorial Service was held at Pulaski Height Methodist Church in Little Rock, and burial in the Fortenberry family plot in Walnut Grove Cemetery at Newport, Arkansas.