Naomi Jane Fortenberry

Naomi Jane Fortenberry (Pollack), 88, born in Astoria, New York to Michael and Lillian (Fogel) Pollack, passed peacefully on August 11, 2025 at Pruitt Health in Pensacola. Her sweet spirit will stay with those whose lives she touched, especially her family who loved her dearly.  

Preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Lawrence John Fortenberry, she is survived by three children, Tamera Jane Cole (William Cole), Julie Ann Ziegenhorn (Brian Ziegenhorn), and John Scott Fortenberry (Victoria George Fortenberry); sixteen grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Naomi grew up in New York, enjoying horseback riding as a passion. Her father, Michael, was a pediatrician and often allowed her to help in his New York City office with her beloved cousin, Margie. She loved her horses and spoke of them fondly with many amazing stories of jumping fences and being thrown by her pinto, Arab. She also learned how to play cards, especially bridge, and she was a card shark throughout her life. She attended Florida Southern College at the age of 16, and shared many stories about joining her sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, and participating in the college circus. She was also an avid swimmer and water skier and loved living near the water. She met the love of her life, John, who swept her off her feet. They married June 4, 1955, and started a life in the Air Force together which took them on many travels abroad and throughout the states.

Assignments to Laredo and Amarillo, Texas, Moody AFB, Georgia, Delaware and California, England, France, South Carolina, Hawaii, Virginia and finally, Niceville, Florida, kept her very busy. She was always so gracious supporting John’s career, taking care of three children and juggling many facets of life. She and John spent 20 years in Fort Walton Beach and 33 years in Niceville, Rocky Bayou. They loved to golf together and enjoyed so many wonderful memories at their beautiful home in Niceville. Naomi also cherished her times at the beach, seeing dolphins, all animals and mostly, time with her family.

Her dear friends who played bridge at Rocky Bayou Country Club were so important to her, and she would often do a little bragging about the purses of winnings she brought home. It really was what kept her going, and some of the ladies even arranged bridge games during her rehab. We are forever grateful to you all. She also loved all her golf buddies and many golf dates with John.

Her presence, sweet personality, and gracious and generous spirit will be missed dearly. A memorial service will be held at Heritage Gardens Funeral Home chapel on August 25, 2025 at 1:00 pm.  

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