Mary Katherine McCallister of Live Oak, FL, affectionately known as “Meezie” to her family and Kathy to her friends, passed away on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at the age of 78 surrounded by her loved ones after a brief illness.
She was born on August 22, 1945, in Sarasota, FL where she grew up on her family’s dairy farm surrounded by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers, and sisters. As a teenager, she moved with her family to Live Oak, FL, where her father, Jack, began a dairy business. She was a loving homemaker for many years and a wonderful mother to her three children. Later in life, she became a Community Director for the March of Dimes, where she worked until she retired. Following retirement, Kathy provided long-term care for a special aunt which allowed her to pursue her passion for crafting and travel.
One of her favorite places to visit was the mountains of North Carolina where summer days were cooler and family gatherings were held. She was actively involved in her church, various bible study groups, and loved spending time with her family especially her grandchildren. She was proud of her family and loved sharing their accomplishments with her friends. Kathy’s vibrant personality and spunky spirit will be missed by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Nathaniel Jackson “Jack” Bispham and Barbara Burgess Bispham, brother, William Aubrey “Bebo” Bispham, sisters, Sara Elizabeth “Beth” Mandish and Debra Jean “Debbie” Bispham, and son, Duke Donovan “Trey” McCallister.
She is survived by her brother, John Morris “Corky” Bispham (Helen), children, Donna McCallister Darby (Michael) and Matthew Jackson “Matt” McCallister (Casie), grandchildren, Lance Charles Moore (Tinsley), Caitlin Darby Colangelo (Nick), Jonathan Michael “Jon” Darby, Lauren Ashley Raines (Brandon), Camryn Brooke McCallister, Carmyn Grace “Gracie” McCallister, Jackson Trey McCallister, Huxley Drake McCallister, and Eleanor Marie McCallister. She is also survived by great grandchildren, McCallister Sophia “Cali” Raines, Asher Trey Raines, Liliana Patricia “Lily” Colangelo, and Briella Jude Colangelo.
Her mission in life was to give to others and to share Jesus with them. The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at Westminister Baldwin Park and Advent Health Hospice in Altamonte Springs, FL for the care and compassion they showed our loved one in their final days.