Memphis, a city never short of interesting characters, lost one of them last week when Vella New passed away at the age of 72.
Better known as Vella the Fortune Teller, she read palms, studied tarot cards, and cast fortunes for Memphians for more than 40 years. Vella had bit parts in two movies Mike McCarthy’s Teenage Tupelo and Born Losers — lectured at local colleges and schools, and for several years had her own radio show, where she would cast fortunes and make predictions for callers. With her flowing white hair and otherworldly demeanor, she was also quite a sensation at parties.
A memorial service will be held at the Hart Center, 1384 Madison, on Saturday, March 24th at 2 p.m. Burial arrangements have not been specified; High Point Funeral Home has charge.
