Palestine High School Alumni Association

02 / 02 / 1918  –  02 / 14 / 2010

Mary Poole Callaway 92, was born February 2, 1918 in Palestine, Texas to Maggie and Herbert Poole. Mary went to be with her Heavenly Father on February 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 80’s. 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 daughter, 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, and brother-in-law Jot Harris, all of Palestine.

Visitation will be at Bailey & Foster Funeral Home from 6:00 to 8:00 Tuesday, February 16, 2010. Funeral services will Wednesday, February 17, at 1:00 PM, followed by graveside services at Palestine City Cemetery. 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, Tx. 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.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 02-16-2010