Dorothy B. McCallister, age 84, of Mount Vernon, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 18, 2024, at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.
She was born on May 11, 1940, in Huntington, West Virginia to the late Darrell and Myrtle (Chandler) Good.
Dorothy’s (Dot Dot) life was a testament to love and devotion. She was a cherished sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, an actual clown and an artist. She was survived by her son Ronald McCallister, and the proud grandmother of Jeanna (Adam) Wade, Dale McCallister, and Marcie (Adam) Estes. She took great joy in watching her grandchildren grow, always offering them her unconditional love and guidance. Her love extended to her five great-grandchildren Alexandria (Nicholas) Dixon, Joe Wade, Kala Estes, Isabella Wade and Kent Wade; and even her precious great-great-grandchild Lance Dixon. Dorothy’s close bond with her sisters, Shirley (Leonard) Martin and Beverly (Jim) White, was an enduring source of strength throughout her life, and she found great happiness in her extended family of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph McCallister, a son, James McCallister, grandson, Mikeal David McCallister, brother, Everett Adkins Jr.; brother-in-law, Leonard Martin, her favorite aunt, Minnie Chandler, step-father, Jerry Hysell, and her best friend Jean Van Winkle.
Who now welcome her into eternal peace.
Before she retired she worked at the Mount Vernon developmental center where she created friends and lifelong bonds. Helping care for those around her. She was also apart of Clowntown group whose laughter brought joy to those who watched. Other groups she was apart of were the Moose and Amvets of Mount Vernon, Ohio.
An avid birdwatcher, Dorothy found solace and beauty in nature, but her greatest joy came from the time spent with her family. She will be remembered for her kind spirit, her unwavering devotion to those she loved, and her ability to make everyone around her feel cherished. Her gentle presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her. When she was not spending time with grandkids, Dorothy found joy in painting and crocheting, spending countless peaceful hours immersed in her creative hobbies.
She lived her life with a heart for giving. She loved her husband Ralph and spoke of their 45 years together with adoration. He played the guitar while he sang “You are My Sunshine” to her, as often as he could. He is singing to his bride as you read this tribute. They loved to square dance, travel, host family gatherings (with her mashed potatoes and green beans as the star of the show) and would always sent you home with vegetables from their garden or a “start” of various flowers.
She made gorgeous baby dolls with hand-painted faces. She crocheted a lot. She loved designing blankets with her friend Jean. She loved to paint and would have long conversations about art, with her grandson. She was a collector of people, memories, beauty and love.
She cared for countless family, friends and animals. She lovingly cared for her son Jim, after an accident, for two years while working nights at Mount Vernon Developmental Center. She also cared for her son Ron after he broke his leg, as an adult. She drove her sister, Shirley Ann, to many doctor appointments. She took in her friend Jean’s cat, Oreo, just before Jean passed away. She took care of her sister Shirley’s bird Chipper, after she went into a skilled nursing home. You could find her helping a friend, grandchildren and complete strangers through volunteer work almost every day of her story.
She went to Clown Town with her sister Shirley and friend June. They participated in many parades as clowns. Dorothy would often volunteer to paint faces and make balloon animals at her grandchildren’s parties.
She loved to travel…by train, plane, ship or automobile. On cruises, her sister, Bev and brother-in-law, Jim, created “the drink of the day.” Which he continuously teased her about. She loved it. (Piña colada, was her favorite, in case you were wondering)
She never stopped cheering for us and documenting every moment with her camera; at concerts, dance recitals, soccer, basketball, marching band, parades and baseball to name a few.
She was a Christian. She knew the Lord and the power of prayer. “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Philippians 4:6 CSB https://bible.com/bible/1713/php.4.6.CSB
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 1:00PM at Snyder Funeral Home – Lasater Chapel, 11337 Upper Gilchrist Rd in Mount Vernon, Ohio. Friends may call one hour prior to the services at the funeral home. Burial will be in Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens.
To express a condolences to the family, please visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Home – Lasater Chapel
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com