Virginia Calloway

Virginia Woodard Calloway, age 89, died peacefully on the morning of August 8, 2010, at the Alive Hospice Residence in Nashville. Born on July 4, 1921, “Gin” grew up in the Springfield, TN house known as “The Beeches” and attended local schools. After attending Judson College in Alabama for a year she returned home to marry Bob Calloway, a banker and native of Springfield. Gin, a homemaker and mother of four children, was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Springfield where she taught Sunday School and was an active participant of the congregation for over 60 years. As her children reached adulthood she worked as a librarian at Gorham-McBane Public Library assisting with the transition to a newly constructed library building. Gin later enrolled at O’More School of Design, now O’More College in Franklin, TN, where she earned her Associate Degree in Interior Design. Gin was a natural student and this period in her life was an exciting and happy time. After her graduation she worked with an interior designer in Nashville, later returning to O’More at the request of Eloise O’More, founder and director, to work there as the Registrar. Over a period of more than 20 years Gin was caregiver to several family members including her mother, mother-in-law, uncle and her beloved husband. Without complaint Gin gave of herself in the generous care and support of her family and friends. Hers was a brilliant example of selflessness in the service of others. After the death of her husband she eventually moved to Homewood Residence in Nashville to be closer to her family. Gin was preceded in death by her parents, Leland and John Woodard; mother and father-in-law, Virginia and Joe Calloway; aunt and uncle, Mary and Jess Foreman; and her husband of 63 years, Robert Mason Calloway, Sr. She is survived by her daughter, Ellen Bush of Nashville; sons and daughters-in-law, Bob (Carolyn) Calloway, Jr. of Knoxville, TN, John (Sherry) Calloway of Macon, GA and Joe (Annette) Calloway of Nashville. Grandchildren, spouses, and great-grandchildren include James T. DeVill of Seattle, WA, Bob Toevs of Hot Springs, MT, Lee Meadows (husband Greg and children Lindsey, Bethany and John) of Knoxville, TN, Chrissy Johnston (husband Jimmy and children Ryan, Gray and Callie) of St. Simons Island, GA, Woody Calloway (wife Christine and son Nick) of Oxford, AL, Mason Calloway (wife Lee and children Cameron and Anthony) of Oxford, AL, Jessica Calloway of Nashville and Cate Calloway of Nashville. “Her children rise up and call her blessed…” Prov. 31:28. The staff at Homewood Residence deserves special recognition for their dedication in caring for Gin. She would smile her spectacular smile whenever she spotted one of her beloved caregivers there. Many thanks to her Alive Hospice home nurse, Esther Hagan, and other staff members who cared for her at Homewood Residence. The family is also indebted to the nurses and personal aides who gave Gin such exquisite end-of-life care at the Alive Hospice Residence. Sherry and Pat, you comforted us and we thank you. The family will receive friends at Austin & Bell in Springfield from 12:30 – 2:00pm on Wednesday afternoon, August 11, 2010. Immediately following the visitation, a celebration of Gin’s life will be led by the Chaplain at Baptist Hospital, Reverend Claude Huguley, in the chapel of the Austin & Bell Funeral Home.

Virginia Calloway

July 4, 1921 - August 8, 2010