Mary Poole Callaway

Mary Poole Callaway, 92, was born Feb. 2, 1918 in Palestine, Texas to Maggie and Herbert Poole. Mary went to be with her Heavenly Father on Feb. 14, 2010 at the Cartmell Home in Palestine.
In September 1936, she married Arthur Andrew Callaway. As a lifelong resident of Palestine, she had been a member of First Baptist Church for her entire adult life. She thoroughly enjoyed teaching children about Jesus and did so for most of her life. Her love was teaching Children's Church at First Baptist, and she collected enough money from the businessmen of Palestine to purchase a van so she could drive around Palestine to pick up children who would not otherwise be coming to church.
Mary was a very energetic lady. She worked as office manager and bookkeeper for many years at the Palestine Herald-Press, then at Rogers Chevrolet. She was later Public Works Secretary at the Palestine City Offices.  When she retired, she worked during several busy Christmas seasons for Tom Broyles at Eilenberger Bakery. She became known as the "candy lady" because of the delicious Millionaires and fudge she made for so many people.  Her yard was something she was always proud of and thoroughly enjoyed working in it; she continued to take care of her own yard until her mid-80s.
Mary was also a member of the Harvey Women's Club and the Altrusa Club.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur; her brothers, Claude and Willard Poole; and her sisters, Annie Lee Recknor and Audrey Harris.
She is survived by her daughters, Andrea Jones of Houston. Her grandchildren are Ronnie Lynn Jones Jr. of Houston, Andrew Jones and his wife, Shanna, of West Columbia, Texas. Her great-grandchildren are Darla Jones and Matthew Jones of Weatherford, Texas. She is also survived by two sisters, Thelma (Tut) Toole and June Woolverton, both of Palestine; and brother-in-law, Jot Harris, of Palestine.
Visitation will be at Bailey & Foster Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010. Funeral services will be Wednesday, Feb. 17, at 1 p.m.  followed by graveside services at Palestine City Cemetery. The Rev. Jay Abernathy will be officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Bailey & Foster.
Pallbearers include her grandsons, Ronnie Lynn and Andrew Jones; and her nephews, Jerry Toole, Harry Toole, Dennis Toole, Eddie Harris, Jeff Harris, and Mark Woolverton.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Cartmell Home, 2212 W. Reagan St., Palestine, Texas 75801, or Harmony Baptist Church, 8848 FM Rd. 645, Palestine, Texas 75803, or First Baptist Church of Palestine, 5700 N. Loop 256, Palestine, Texas  75801.
To view online, leave condolences or sign guestbook go to www.baileyandfosterfuneralhome.com