Precious Burt Calloway

Precious Burt Calloway September 5, 1914- June 26, 2006 COLUMBUS, GA— Mrs. Precious Burt Calloway, a life long resident of Columbus, Georgia, a dedicated nurse, community worker, and devout Christian, peacefully passed away in a manner befitting of the life she lived at 10 a.m., Monday, June 26, 2006 at Doctors Hospital after an extended stay at Muscogee Manor Personal Care Home with the devoted relatives, Mary G. Walker-Crooks and Dana Lynn Powers at her bedside. Born September 5, 1914, in Columbus, Georgia to the late Hanson Burt and Lucy Baldwin Burt, Precious attended public schools in Muscogee County, graduating from Spencer High School in June, 1933. She was blessed to attend and graduate from the City Hospital Colored School of Nursing in 1937. Following her graduation, she assumed a position as a Public Health Nurse with the Muscogee County Health Department, where she worked tirelessly and continuously until retirement. In the same year of her graduation, Precious became the beautiful bride of Mr. James Alfred Calloway. Their marriage withstood the test of time, and the two shared wedding bliss until his passing. Though, this enviable couple had no children of their own, her main goal in life was to live for the well being of others, especially the children of her community. Precious and Alfred loved, cared for and claimed almost as their own at least four children of close friends and family. Among them were Jimmy Harris, Jr., her nephew, Elrod Lights, the late Cristal Woodard, Quinn Newroth and Carol Ross, her niece. Nobody loved their church more than Mrs. Calloway. When the doors opened, Precious was there as long as she was physically able. Not only did she donate and volunteer her time in such activities as Sunday School Teacher and Class Leader, she also was a Prayer Warrior and a Stewardess. She was an active member of the Loyal Daughters Club and the Sarah Allen Missionary Society. Additionally, she donated tangible gifts to her church. The ten chandeliers that light up the sanctuary were gifts from the Calloways, as well as, the Communion Chancellor Sets. She was often recognized and presented awards by her affiliates for outstanding service in many civic and social organizations. Her walls were covered with plaques and trophies from such organizations as the Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc., Spencer High School Reunion Classes, the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Club, Inc., NAACP and the 10th Street Community Center, among many others. She was counted among the Ten Best Dressed Women many times. She modeled on TV for stores like Kaiser Lillienthal and Kiralfy's; she was indeed a role model for young black females. Preceding her in death were two brothers, Jimmy Burt and Hanson Burt; two sisters, Rosebud Burt and Ethel Burt. Precious is survived by her sister and long time guardian and caregiver, Anna Ross; Anna's children, James Harris, Carol Copeland, all of Philadelphia, PA., and Hanson Burt of Columbus, GA.; cousin and guardian, Mary G. Walker-Crooks (Kenneth) of Columbus, GA.; Lula Parker, Ida Mae Bell, both of Columbus, GA.; Gladys Hutchinson, Jearell Gardner, Deanna Davis of Atlanta, GA., Neal and Donna Gardner of Washington, DC.; and a host of other cousins, close friends and the wonderful magnificent staff of Muscogee Manor and Doctors Hospital. A Homegoing Celebration for Mrs. Calloway will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 3, 2006 at Greater Ward Chapel AME Church with her Pastor, Rev. O.L. Duncan officiating. Interment will follow at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery, where she will lie beside her dear dedicated and devoted lifetime mate. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. on Sunday evening at the funeral home. The cortege will depart from the home of Mary G. Walker-Crooks, 4440 Steam Mill Road, Columbus, at 10:15 a.m. the day of the service. Arrangements are entrusted to the Progressive Funeral Home staff.