Thelma McCallum

A Time to be Born and Die

Thelma Taylor McCallum, the youngest daughter of Luella and Carey Taylor, was born May 7, 1935, in Simpson County, Mississippi. On October 6, 2022, Thelma transitioned into eternal life at the age of 87. 

A Time to Reverence God

Thelma was baptized and gave her life to Christ and at an early age. She was a member of Taylor Baptist Church until she relocated to Joliet, IL. Thelma joined Second Baptist Missionary Church under the leadership of the late Rev. T. Moore King and served faithfully until her health failed.

A Time to Love

 Thelma met and married the love of her life Spigel McCallum, to this union, three children were born. Thelma and Spigel moved to Joliet to begin a new life. Being away from those she knew and loved, she built a loving relationship with Sadie Mae Williams; the two were known as sisters from different mothers. They often dressed alike and would even dress their sons alike. They were the real ‘Thelma and Louise’!

 A Time to Learn and Work

Thelma was educated in the Mississippi school system. She was employed in the food industry for many years. In 1979 she embarked upon a new career as a Correctional Officer at the Joliet Correctional Center. Thelma gained the respect of her peers and inmates. She was known for being a fair and honest person. Thelma was affectionately called Miss ‘M’ by many. She was very proud of her many accomplishments while employed for the state.

A Time to Mourn

Thelma is preceded in death by her parents, Luella and Carey Taylor; her husband, Spigel; daughter, Lisa McCallum; grandson, Anthony Stalling; three sisters, Georgia Mae McCadney, Ruth Mahaffey, and Margie Rhodes; four brothers, Osby, Bo, Troy, and Roy Taylor. Thelma leaves to cherish her memories her sons; Dwyane (Colleen) and Gregory McCallum; grand-daughters, Yvette Myers (Ernest), Tara Chandler, and Taylor Mack; grandsons, Jamie Mack, Darrius Stallings, and Christopher McCallum; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; godson, Rodney Williams; special friend Gerri Rucker; loving nieces, Lynn Spann and Milvertha Pinnick; and an abundance of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Homegoing Celebration

Interment Elmhurst Cemetery

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