Callie Aline Needham's Obituary
Celebration of Life for Aline C. Needham.
Aline C. Needham, 98, of Oakland, CA, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2023 at her assisted living home.
Aline was born on January 31, 1925 to Ernest Moore and Almeda Carroll Moore in Hickory, Mississippi. She was the second oldest of four sisters. She graduated from high school in Meridian, Mississippi.
Aline married Henry E. Needham, Sr., and gave birth to her only son, Henry E. Needham, Jr., a year later. The young family stayed in Mississippi for two years after the birth of their son, and then moved to Washington State where Henry Needham, Sr. was stationed in the army. Upon completion of Henry Sr.’s military service, the family moved to Vallejo, CA and later settled in Berkeley, CA in 1949. Aline lived the majority of her adult life in the Bay Area where she established deep roots and had many friends and connections.
Aline attended community college. She began her career at the Veteran’s Administration as a medical stenographer. Subsequently, she transitioned to a position at the U.S. Department of Energy, where she excelled, and was later appointed a contracting officer. She worked for the Department of Energy for 20 years. After Aline retired, she took on the role of office manager for her son’s private legal practice. She had a full life with numerous interests. She loved any and everything involving music. Aline enjoyed going to the Oakland and San Francisco symphonies and the opera. She listened to classical and jazz music, and was an accomplished pianist herself. She engaged in taking piano lessons for most of her adult life to continue to challenge herself and improve her skills. She took classical and jazz piano lessons until age 90. Aline was also an avid and competitive bridge player. She was a member of several bridge clubs and played well into her 90’s. Aline also had a love for reading, acquiring knowledge, and traveling. She was an amazing cook, and many good times were had having meals with her family. She enjoyed watching the Warriors and San Francisco 49ers, and rarely missed a game. Also, she was a long time member of Downs Memorial United Methodist Church.
Aline was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Needham, Sr., parents, and two sisters, Lucy
Chatman and Mamie Everett. She will be greatly missed, beyond words, by her son, Henry E. Needham Jr.; daughter-in-law, Elaine Needham; granddaughter, Heather Needham (Kacy Wilson); sister, Catherine Casey; niece Kathy Everett-Carbin, and nephews Ernest Everett, David and Jerry Casey; and her grandniece and nephews.
Aline led her life with grace and purpose. She was an amazing wife, mother, sister, grandmother,
mother-in-law, and aunt. She was always willing to help someone in need. Aline was strong, independent and fearless. She was quiet at times, but so witty, and her laugh was infectious. She could also be strong-willed and stubborn. She was not afraid to let you know what she thought! All of these traits were part of who she was, and her strength undoubtedly helped her deal with life’s challenges over her 98 years of life. She will be fondly remembered for her big heart, beautiful smile, and warm spirit.
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