Doris Jean McCallister, age 88 of West Olive, died Friday, July 26, 2024.
Doris was born June 04, 1936, in the small town of Wynne, Arkansas. She was the youngest daughter of sharecroppers’, Anderson and Rosie Collins. While most of her large family were out in the cotton fields working, her father insisted she stay home and keep house with her mother as he felt she was too frail for the cotton fields. She kept house. Cooking and cleaning. Even sweeping the dirt floor of the sharecroppers’ house they lived in at one point. She had a simple life. She worked hard and did her best to do her part.
As a young lady she married Willie McCallister and moved to Memphis, Tennessee and started a family. Her first son was born in 1962 and then another in 1965. Later Her mother, her boys, her husband and she moved to Michigan in 1968. There her legacy blossomed as she and her family settled in Holland and began going to church in a little church called the Church of God. There her faith would grow, and she would become a Sunday school teacher. And she did what she did best, shared her love, and the love of Jesus to children. She loved kids. Her kind, gentle spirit was evident to them, and they loved her right back. They eventually became her whole life. She cared for babies and little ones in the nursery at church, in daycare, and in her home. Many adults today can thank her for caring for them as small children and beyond.
She was preceded in death by her siblings, Garlin Collins, Sr., Earl Collins (Sue), Lee Collins (Jeanette), Sam Collins (Nella Mae), Dorothy Webb, and Vivian Grooms.
She was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Willie McCallister, and her sons, Wade McCallister and Greg McCallister. Also, her grandchildren, Christian McCallister (Chloe), Damon Jones (Robin), and Hayley Hitsman (Branden). And great grandchildren, Magnolia, Emma, Skye, Alari, Audrey, and Dakota. And many, many, nieces and nephews.
From a Scotch/Irish ancestry, all the way to West Michigan, the world was blessed by her life. She touched so many lives in so many ways. We miss her terribly.
A celebration of life will be held at 6:00 pm, Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at Watermark Church in Grand Haven. Christian McCallister will be officiating.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.
Arrangements are by Dykstra Funeral Homes-Northwood Chapel.
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