Mrs. Avola Whitesell Callaway

August 16, 1926 - October 25, 2015

Avola W. Callaway Mrs. Avola Whitesell Callaway, age 89, died peacefully at home on Sunday, October 25, 2015. She was born on August 16, 1926, in Lewisburg, TN. She was the daughter of the late Bedford Forrest Whitesell and Emma Lou Lofton Whitesell. Avola earned her undergraduate degree in Home Economics from Middle Tennessee University, then received her Master’s Degree from Cornell University in 1954. In 1957 she began working as a clothing specialist for the State of Georgia and was employed by the University of Georgia Extension Service. In 1959 she married Eugene Mattox Callaway of Rayle, GA. She worked and supported her husband in developing the family business known as Callaway Farms while she was raising their two sons. Avola served on the hospital board for 13 years at Wills Memorial Hospital. She served in leadership with the Arthritis Foundation. was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Washington, and volunteered and supported the preservation of the historic Callaway Plantation through many fund raising efforts. She is survived by her two sons and daughters-in-law, Eugene Mattox Callaway, Jr. and Amy Richmond Callaway of Greenville, SC, and Blake Whitesell Callaway, and Myra Dowling Callaway, of Athens; four grandchildren, Elizabeth Dowling Callaway of Atlanta, Blake Whitesell Callaway, Jr. of Athens, India Cathey Callaway and Grace Jefferies Callaway of Thomson, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceding Avola in death was her loving husband, Eugene Mattox Callaway and grandson Dowling Callaway. Pallbearers are Gartrell Blackmon, Troy McTier, Thomas Charping, Tim Miller, George Smith, Malcolm Chafin, Mike Benson, and Silas Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Randy Clayton, Marvin McAvoy, Turner Callaway, and Eddie Smith. A graveside service is scheduled for 11:00 AM on Friday, October 30 at the Turner Cemetery in Rayle with Rev. Thomas G. Hall officiating. The family will receive friends at Hopkins Funeral Home in Washington on Thursday, Oct. 29 from 5 until 7PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 100 W. Liberty St., Washington, GA 30673, or to the charity of your choice.