Junnie Lee Callaway

On a beautiful 24th day of June in 1924 in Griffin, Arkansas Johnnie and Sallie Jones Stephens welcomed their baby girl Junnie Lee into the world. Junnie accepted Christ as her personal Savior at a very early age. The bible was her joy. She would always say “you can always count on the bible to tell you the truth.” Junnie welcomed her son Louis Hogans on June 22, 1940 in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. She loved and raised Louis with values and care. When she married the love of her life Ray Callaway on January 3, 1948, he became stepfather to Louis and loved him as his own son. Mrs. Callaway loved to visits various churches to hear God’s word. Christ meant everything to her. In 1957 she and Ray united with Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. C. E. Richardson. She was a faithful and dedicated member. She became a National Evangelist under the authority of the National Baptist Women Ministries Convention, Inc., on March 18, 2004. “June” or “Junnie Lee” as she was affectionately called by those who knew her was blessed with caring hands. She tirelessly cared for her husband, mother, father-in-law, and sister until they passed into the Lord’s embrace. She never let an obstacle stand in her way. Many were touched and influenced by her strength and independence. At the age of 80 June and her beloved sister Mary drove across many states visiting family and friends. When she put her mind to doing something, it got done. She loved to garden and beautify her yard in Arkadelphia. She took great pride in her yard and it captured the attention of the Arkadelphia Primrose Garden Club. The Garden Club awarded her with the Yard of the Month on October 16, 2013. She developed an outstanding relationship with several people in the community and at her present church St. Ruth Baptist Church. Again, because of her contagious spirit she was awarded Mother of the Year. Had she tarried longer those who crossed her path would have been recipients of her teaching, wisdom and love. In the early morning of November 21, 2014, God came and wrapped His loving arms around her and quietly carried her from time into eternity. One can only imagine the welcome she received when she answered the Master’s call. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary S. Hill and Mary Langston and one brother, Willie Lee Stephens. Her memory will live forever in our hearts. She leaves to cherish her memories: one son, Louis Hogans of Moreno Valley, CA; her granddaughter, Angela K. Hogans of Houston, TX; her grandson, Marvin (Bristy) Hogans; two great-grandchildren, Avaion and Dane Hogans both of Houston, TX; countless nieces, nephews, several cousins, numerous friends and the St. Ruth Baptist Church family. Submitted by the Callaway Family. Public visitation will from 1:00 pm until 5 pm at the funeral home on Friday, November 28, 2014. Services to commemorate her life will be shared on November 29, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ruth Baptist Church where Rev. Thomas D. Hale is the pastor and will officiate. Interment will be in Rolling Hills Memorial Park in Richmond, California