Celia Mae McCallister's Obituary
Celia McCallister Obituary
On October 28, 1928, in Columbus, MS, God blessed Lorean and Linwood Jones with their fourth child.
They decided to name her Celia Mae Jones. Hence, her story begins. Celia was raised in a strong Christian family and very close to her siblings. The Jones children
were taught three most important values. First: devotion and service to God. Second: Love & Loyalty to fan1ily. Third: work hard and stay out of trouble. The Jones' family attended Zion Baptist Church in Columbus MS, where Celia was baptized at a young age.
Celia attended Armstrong Elementary School and graduated High School from Union Academy in Columbus, MS. Celia moved to Chicago at the age of 17 where she immediately joined Metropolitan Baptist Church on the west side of Chicago, IL At age 19 Celia married Sylvester Buckner, this union lasted 7 years.
Celia found her first job at Shear and Son Lamp & Shade company. Later Celia was employed at Wilson Jones Stationary. While working at Wilson Jones, she went to school at Maclain C.J. Walker Beauty Academy, under the institution of Dr. Marjory Steward Joyner. After graduating from Beauty
culture, Celia launched her career in the hair care industry working two jobs. In 1961, Celia was joined in holy matrimony to Willie Lee McCallister (MAC), after which Celia
and MAC was blessed with their daughter Cheryl, and then five children: Delores, Devin, Douglas, Demetrius, and Kenneth.
Celia and Willie moved to Robbins in 1962 and joined Mt. Olive MB Church. Celia's first position in the church was the choir where she was an active choir member. Celia became a business owner, and she opened her successful shop, called the Modern Ette Beauty Salon. In 1963 at the same time, she was working two jobs as a personal stylist and working at various hair companies, such as Summit Laboratory as a Sales Rep., HDC Enterprise as a Sales Rep., Alberto Culver, testing lab and sales Rep. Traveling throughout the US promoting hair products, working stage. Worked hair shows and sales.
In the mid 60's Celia joined Alpha Chi Pi Omega, a long-standing member for 60 years. Soror Celia Mcallister has worked in every level leadership that exists, chapter, region, state and international. 1st Anti Supreme ( Basileus) and still held this position Soror Celia McCallister has earned numerous trophies and has been honored in this chapter many times. In 1991 Celia joined International Order of Easter Star (OES) Bea Cruthers Chapter #43- She later became District Matron and still held this position. She also worked with the youth department. Celia is a beacon of light. Her upbringings with her parents served her well through the years. Always giving a helping hand and sound advice when needed. Her winning personality and God is her strength.
Celia was preceded in death by her parents, Linwood and Lorean Jones, husband Willie L McCallister, daughter, Demetrius, 2 sons, Douglas and Kenneth McCallister, grandson, Tin1othy Person, two sisters, Lucielle and Hazel, four brothers, Roosevelt, Linwood, John, Ellis and Jan1es Earl Jones, Rocky. Leaves to cherish her memories, her loving and devoted daughters, Delores Paige Gan1es), Devin Versher (MichaeL deceased), Cheryl McCallister, and h:mus son, Steve Flowers. Two sisters, Frances Steward (Fred, deceased), Doris Rogers (Wilson), brother Tommy Jones, (Kitten), 18 Grand Children; 4 5 great-grandchildren; and 15 great-great-grandchildren, and Chachi, tons of nieces, nephew, cousins, and friends; a very special thank you to mom's caregivers: Aldene Gibson-Jones,
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Celia Mae McCallister, please visit our floral store.
Read More
What’s your fondest memory of Celia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Celia?
Share a story where Celia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Celia you’ll never forget.
How did Celia make you smile?