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Betty Mae Callaway, Our kind, gentle mother, Betty Callaway, passed away peacefully at home on September 10, 2009 of natural causes. She was surrounded by all of her family members. She was 86. Betty was predeceased by her eldest son, James Edwin Callaway, Jr.; her mother, Velma Ross; and her husband, James Edwin Callaway. Betty was born on November 30, 1922 in Jackson, Mississippi to Thomas J. and Velma Mclean Ross. As a child, she spent several years in Cuba where her father worked on a sugar cane plantation. She always remembered those years as happy ones. Upon their return to the states, Betty's family moved to Temple, Texas, where they owned a small cafe. Betty was an incredibly intelligent woman, an avid reader, a gifted writer and a mathematics whiz. She graduated from Temple High School at 16 and attended the University of Texas in Austin. She graduated with honors and earned her teaching credentials in English. One of Betty's early teaching positions at Temple Junior College was a fateful one because this was where she met her future husband, Edwin. Ed was a well known radio newscaster in Temple and a member of the Army Air Corps. Betty and Ed were married in 1947. Their sons, Jim and Steve soon followed. During the Korean Conflict, Ed flew transport and rescue missions while Betty stayed in Temple to care for her young sons. After the war, Ed was transferred to Tinker Air Force in Oklahoma City where daughter, Susan, was born. The next transfer took the family to Bangkok, Thailand, where Betty resumed her teaching career at the International School of Bangkok. As a small town girl, Betty found her experiences in Thailand both challenging and exciting. And with the exceptions of the humidity and mosquitoes, she enjoyed this overseas assignment immensely. She would talk about Thailand for the rest of her life. Eventually, the Air Force transferred the family to Sandia Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Betty began to teach once again, this time for Albuquerque Public Schools. She taught at what was then Grant-Los Altos Elementary/Junior High School. Sandia Base would be the family's last military tour. When Ed retired 1966, the family made Albuquerque their home. Air Force life agreed with Betty and she enjoyed the many life-long friendships she made with other military wives and their families. Betty continued her teaching career at Grant Middle School. At one point, she took a sabbatical leave from teaching and earned a Master's Degree in English from UNM. In time, Betty began to consider career options and took the necessary steps to become a counselor. She earned another Master's degree and worked fifteen years as an elementary school counselor. As a counselor, Betty was well respected for her calm concern and genuine affinity for children. Parents, teachers, administrators and students all sought her wise guidance. Following her retirement in 1988, Betty continued with an extremely active life. She walked the mall each morning. She played bridge regularly with several different groups. She was a docent at the Albuquerque Museum. She was well known as a 'black belt' in Al-Anon. Betty had also traveled extensively throughout the world. Betty Callaway will be remembered as a loving, generous, compassionate woman who was most content when her home was filled with the laughter and love of friends and family. We will miss the sound of her voice. Betty is survived by her son Steve and his wife, Sue Walker; by her daughter, Susan; and by her treasured granddaughter, Rebecca Lynn. We are extremely grateful to the numerous friends who have supported us throughout this difficult time. Your love has given us great solace and strength. A special thanks must go out to Visiting Angels for their loving care. We would also like to thank Odyssey Hospice for their care and service. A Memorial Celebration of Betty's life will take place at Christ Unity Church, 9800 Candelaria NE on Monday, September 14, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. Betty's remains will be interred at the Santa Fe National Cemetery on Monday, September 14, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th St, NW, ABQ, 87107. 505-343-8008.
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