Bette Callaway

Bette Callaway went home to be with her Lord and Savior on January 3, 2026, at the age of 91. She witnessed a world that changed greatly over the years; yet one thing never changed for “Dee,” as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren lovingly called her; her faith remained steadfast.

A celebration of her life will be held on January 18, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Pierce Memorial Methodist Church in Sparta, Georgia. Pastor Darrell McGinnis, Pastor Jerry Bradley, along with family members and friends, will officiate. The family will greet friends following the service in the sanctuary.

Born in Hancock County, she was the daughter of the late Juanita Moore Johnson and the late Iverson Starnes Johnson. She was devoted to her work at the Bank of Hancock County, where she served faithfully for 42 years before retiring at the age of 75.

Bette was deeply faith-filled and dearly loved her church, Pierce Memorial Methodist Church in Sparta, Georgia. She was a devoted wife to her late husband, John William Callaway, and a loving mother to her daughter, Dianne Callaway Sheppard of Sandersville, and her son, John Iverson Callaway (Carol) of Sparta.

Her five grandchildren Brian Renfroe, Christopher Callaway (Christi), Joseph Callaway, Mitch Sheppard (Brannen), and Trey Sheppard (Emily); were blessed to know “Dee” and to experience the unwavering love of a devoted grandmother.

“Dee” also found immense joy in her great-grandchildren; Ford Sheppard, Anne Marie Sheppard, Emerson Sheppard, Jones Sheppard, Pierce Sheppard, Mitchell Sheppard, Sims Sheppard, Addison Tydings, River Renfroe, Ava Renfroe, and Rebekah Neal. They brought light, laughter, and purpose to her later years. She cherished each of them deeply and prayed faithfully over their lives; leaving an imprint of love and faith that will carry on for generations.

The family would like to thank her caregivers; Beverly Rachels, Teresa Callaway, Linda Blair, Christi Callaway, and the Home Health and Hospice staff for their love and dedication in allowing her to remain at home, where she wished to be.

She was patient, kind, and truly lived as the hands and feet of Jesus. Bette’s faith-filled life is the legacy she leaves behind. Even in her final moments, she continued to lead others to Christ. She was a light that burned brightly, and her sweet smile will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to; Pierce Memorial Methodist Church
21 Boland Street Sparta, GA 31087; Knowles Chapel Methodist Church c/o Pierce Memorial 21 Boland Street Sparta, GA 31087; Balerma Baptist Church 1362 Balerma Church Road Sparta, GA 31087; Culverton Cemetery c/o Tommy Foster 8686 East Broad St. Sparta, GA 31087.

This is a courtesy announcement from May and Smith Funeral Directors.