Helen Jeannette Irvine Callands

Helen Jeannette Callands, 91, peacefully entered eternal rest at her home on Monday January 8, 2024. She was born in Pittsylvania County, VA on September 21, 1932, to the late John A. Irvine and Mary Clayborn Irvine.

Jeannette was preceded in death by four of her five children: Delores Dolsey, Frank Callands Jr., Cynthia Mabry and Brenda Ross; also one brother, John S. Irvine. She leaves to cherish her memory one son, Gerald Callands (Sheliah) of Roanoke VA; one brother, Clarence Irvine of Philadelphia, PA; two sisters, Pauline Everett of Madison Heights, VA and Laura Williams (Robert) of Lynchburg, VA; one sister-in-law, Jean Irvine of Philadelphia, PA; sons-in-law, Larry Dolsey of Hopewell, VA and Bruce Mabry of Lynchburg, VA; 11 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, 14 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives. 

Jeannette graduated from Dunbar High School in 1950 and attended Virginia State University. She retired from Flowers Baking Company after many years of service. She was definitely not one to sit around. After retiring, she enjoyed exercising at Curves Fitness Club and worked at the Bedford Ave. Thrift Store, where she enjoyed the camaraderie with her co-workers and serving the community.

Jeannette was a member of Fifth St. Baptist Church for over 80 years, where she was President of the Gospel Chorus, a member of His Chosen Sounds and the Mass Choir. God blessed her with a voice meant to bring peace to anyone that would listen. There is no doubt, that voice now sings with the Angels Heavenly Choir. Jeannette was also a member of the Starlighters, Anchornetts & Elks Clubs for over 20 years. Her favorite pastimes were working crossword puzzles and playing sudoku. She was a committed viewer of Family Feud and surprising to many, Jeannette was a dedicated sports fan passionately following basketball and football games.

Jeannette was selfless with a huge heart. Her quiet, elegant and compassionate demeanor made others feel at home when in her presence. She was humble and soft spoken but spoke with great conviction. Even though she had a few medical setbacks, she fought a courageous fight; persevering with dignity, never losing her sense of humor, bringing laughter to others with her witty one-liners.

She will be missed by all whose lives she touched and will be especially missed by her devoted niece Tajuana Williams, son-in-law Bruce Mabry & favorite grandpuppy “Biscuit,” who found daily comfort cuddling closely behind Jeannette every chance she got.

A Funeral Service will be held, Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Fifth Street Baptist Church at 1:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow the service at the Forest Hill Cemetery.

Remember Me

“Remember me when the flowers bloom early in the spring.

Remember me on sunny days in the fun that summer brings.

Remember me in the fall as you walk through the leaves of gold.

And in the wintertime – remember me in the stories that are told.

But most of all remember each day – right from the start.

I will be forever near for I live within your heart.”

IN APPRECIATION

The family of the late Helen Jeannette Callands have a wealth of loving friends who have been generous in their support and kindness. We are deeply and humbly appreciative of your warm and sincere generosity shown during our time of bereavement.

Your loving, dedicated, loyal service and all forms of condolence shall always linger in our hearts, for we are surely blessed to have friends like you. May God continue to bless each of you.

Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. is assisting the family.