Betty L. Calloway Wilkins

LAUREL-On Tuesday, May 3, 2011,Betty Louise Calloway Wilkins joined her son, David, as he took her hand and led her home through the gates of heaven. She left this world surrounded lovingly by her devoted husband of 64 years, Carl E. Wilkins, as well as her three sons, four daughters-in-law and a multitude of grandchildren. Betty Louise Calloway, our firecracker, was born on the Fourth of July, 1929,to William Isaac and Martha Mills Calloway of Sunnyside Farm outside of Delmar, Maryland. Along with her parents, her son, David Norman Wilkins, her brother, Charles Calloway, sister, Frances Collins and grandson, Cliff, were waiting for her with open arms. Betty Lou, “The Queen of Haney’s Branch,” lived her 81 years to the fullest. Whenever opportunity knocked, she answered the door, the best example being her first motorcycle ride in honor of her 80th birthday, for which she raised an extraordinary amount of money for the American Cancer Society. Always active and involved, Betty was a fifty-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Adah Chapter #5, as well as past president and fifty-year member of the Ladies Auxiliary, VFW Post 8296. She was a member of the New Century Club and the Red Hats Club, a past member of the Salisbury Elks Club and a past member of the Ladies Golf Club of Lily Lake, Frostproof, Florida. You might guess that she was an avid golfer. Betty was raised to be a true Christian and during her early adult life was a loyal member of the Melson’s United Methodist Church where she not only attended services but also was active in the Methodist Youth Fellowship. Later in life she joyously worshipped at Christ United Methodist Church in Laurel. Betty will be waiting in heaven for her son, Edward, and wife Cindi; son, Carl (Steve) and wife, Debi; son, John (Mike) and wife, Jo Ann; daughter-in-law, Karen; grandchildren, Melanie Culver, Brian Wilkins, Mickey Wilkins, Andy Wilkins, Mindy Myrick, Robin Sennott, Carla Wilkins, Jacob Wilkins, Sue Davis, Chris Webster, Jon Webster, Jenny Phillips and Maria Flick, as well as their spouses; 23 great-grandchildren; a brother, Jackie M. Calloway and his wife, Lovey Ann; and one special dog, Buck Oliver. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. In life she loved us more than she loved herself and will be waiting patiently to gather her family back into her loving arms. A visitation for family and friends will be held Friday, May 6, 2011, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Short Funeral Home, Delmar. On Saturday, the Order of Eastern Star Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., immediately followed by the funeral service. The Reverend Barbara Wilson will officiate. Interment will follow the services at Melson’s Cemetery in Delmar. Please join our family as we celebrate this incredible, well-lived life, remembering our devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Delmar Masonic Lodge, Building Fund, 100 State Street, Delmar, MD 21875, or Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963, who we thank profusely for the meticulous care, which Betty received in her final days. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.

Betty L. Calloway Wilkins

July 4, 1929 - May 3, 2011