Elloise M. Callahan Obituary (1921

Elloise Marable Callahan (97), the ninth of eleven children of Mary Elizabeth Marable and Willie Alexander Marable, was born November 7, 1921. Her husband George M. Callahan preceded her in death in 1997 and also her ten siblings: Mary Emma, William Goliath, Jessie Lenwood, Mattie Edward, Betsy Ruth, Jack Thompson, Ruby Gordon, Elizabeth McCargo, Annie Lispa and Letha Alexander. Elloise's family lived in a rural farm area of Lunenburg County, Virginia. The family attended Mt. Mitchell Baptist Church, Fort Mitchell, Virginia. Elloise joined Mt. Mitchell at an early age. At the age of six, she entered the one-room school at Plantersville Elementary School. In 1941, she graduated from high school at Lunenburg Training School. Elloise graduated from St. Paul's College, Lawrenceville, Virginia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1945. After World War II, Elloise married her high school classmate George McNeal Callahan of Victoria, Virginia. To their union of more than fifty years, four daughters were born. After Elloise moved to Victoria, she joined First Baptist Church with her husband's family. She sang with the Senior Choir, served on various church committees and helped write the First Baptist Church history. Elloise taught for thirty-one years in the Lunenburg Public School system at Lunenburg Training School, Kenbridge Graded School and Kenbridge Elementary School. Since 2013, Elloise resided in Miami, Florida during the winter months. She attended Second Baptist Church of Richmond Heights, Florida with her daughter Cecelia. At age 84, Elloise published her book entitled Reflections of My Childhood and Beyond. Her hobbies included gardening, reading, traveling, crocheting and scrap booking. Elloise leaves to cherish her memory her devoted daughters: Cecelia C. Gilbert (Alonzo, deceased), Gwendolyn E. Callahan, Carolyn V. Callahan and Angie C. Smith (Alvin); grandchildren: Denillya Smith, Camille Watkins (Aaron), Andre Smith (Noelle) and Priscilla Gilbert; great-grandchildren: Caleb Norville, Shyler, Aviana and Eviah Smith; extended family: Janice Gilbert, Shua Clay and Alana Gilbert, Lori Martin (Damon), Nyah, Devin and Donovan Martin, Alonzo B. Gilbert, Jr., Jelani Smith (Deirdre), Harper, Jaxon and Cole Smith, Alvin Smith II, Deron Walker (Shnecia), Jeremy and Jayla Walker; a sisterly friend Mrs. Janie Jennings and some of the special men she called her sons: Edward Pennington, Reverend James Lester, Kevin Hodges, Bemeche Hicks and R. T. Christian, Jr.; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral Service: Saturday, January 19, 2019 @11:00 A.M. at People's Community Center, 1021 Tidewater Avenue, Victoria, Virginia 23974; Eulogy: Reverend Violet Oliver, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Victoria, Virginia 23974 Interment: East End Cemetery, Mecklenburg Street, Victoria, Virginia 23974