Sammi Callaway

Samille Edmunds was the daughter of Tom and Mary Edmunds of Thomson, Georgia.  Sammi made her confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord at Thomson First Baptist Church.  She graduated from Thomson High School, from the Woman's College of Georgia with a B.S. in Education, and from the University of Georgia with a Masters in Reading Education.  Sammi taught 5th grade in Watkinsville, GA.

In 1969 Sammi married Tim Callaway, whom she had met at UGA.  They moved to Louisville, KY, for Tim's education.  She taught remedial reading, 8th grade Sunday School, and discipleship groups.  In 1973 Sammi and Tim moved to St. Petersburg, FL, to continue youth ministry.  In 1977 the Callaways accepted a pastorate in Louisville, AL.  Sammi accepted the role of pastor's wife for 30 years in Louisville, AL, then Dadeville, AL, and then Manchester, TN.  Sammi taught youth and Bible studies, led dramas, and participated in choir and mission groups.  She made the home a revolving door of hospitality with food, Bible study, Christmas Open House, church socials, and a spare bedroom.  She lived by the Bible and cookbooks.

She gladly accepted the role of motherhood in adopting Nathan and then Noah.  She had a 20 year career as a U.S. Postal Service clerk.  Sammi continued helping individuals to read or to learn English as a second language. The Callaways  moved to Opelika in 2010 where Sammi and Tim united with First Baptist Church.

Sammi was preceded in death by her parents Tom "Pop" and Mary Edmunds, her sister and brother in law Joyce and Paul Lawrence, her nephew Tom Lawrence, Tim's parents T.W. and Marie Callaway, and Tim's brother in law Wyatt Theus (Hibbie).  

The family thanks East Alabama Medical Center, Enhabit Home Health, Compassus Hospice, and Dr John Abrams and his staff for their excellent care and insight.  Their support allowed us to keep Sammi with us and comfortable.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lottie Moon Mission Offering through First Baptist Church Opelika (301 S 8th Street, Opelika, AL 36801-4943) or to the charity of your choice.