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Carolyn Baley Callender, age 97, went to be with her Lord on Sunday, January 25, 2026, after a life marked by unwavering faith, deep love for family, and faithful service to Christ. She was born on June 13, 1928.
Carolyn spent more than 70 years living in the Holly Grove community near Braxton, Mississippi, where she and her beloved husband, Donald Carley Callender, built a life together on their farm—raising cattle, harvesting pulp wood, tending gardens, and working side by side creating custom draperies for local and statewide businesses. Their life was one of hard work, simplicity, and devotion to one another and to the Lord.
Together, Carolyn and Don raised three daughters: Carolyn Callender Mahaffey, Sylvia Callender Barrett, and Donna Callender Temple. As a family, they shared a deep love for music and ministry. For many years, they traveled throughout the southern states as The Callender Family, spreading the gospel through song. During those years, they recorded two gospel albums, joined by their daughters, sons-in-law, and other family members and friends, all for the purpose of sharing Christ.
Even after the group disbanded, Carolyn and Don continued to sing at local churches, community events, and nursing homes—faithfully using their God-given talents to witness and encourage others. Her devotion to Christ never wavered and served as a powerful testimony to her family. Many children and grandchildren recall walking into their home at any time of day to find Carolyn and Don sitting together in their recliners, Bibles open, reading God’s Word side by side.
Carolyn was the definition of unconditional love—gentle, steadfast, prayerful, and always giving. Her faith shaped generations, and her legacy will live on through the lives she touched.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Carley Callender; her daughter, Donna Callender Temple; her son in law, Johnny Barrett and her granddaughter, Lori Barrett.
She is survived by her daughters, Carolyn Mahaffey (Dee) and Sylvia Barrett; her sons-in-law, Dee Mahaffey and Fred Temple (Karen); seven grandchildren, Eddie (Jennifer), Carley, Chuck (Melissa), Wes (Emily), Stephanie (Chaston), Tim (Jaime), and Matt (Courtney); 26 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren. Her family includes those bound not only by blood, but by love, including Charlie McGee, his wife Elaine, and their two children, who continued to be part of her life and legacy, along with a host of extended family and friends who were blessed by her life and faith.
Visitation will be held Thursday, January 29, 2026, 5:00PM – 8:00PM at Overflow Church located at 222 Railroad Dr E, Magee, MS 39111. Her Celebration of Life will be held Friday, January 30, 2026, at 11:00AM at Overflow Church Magee, MS with burial service to follow at the Callender Family Cemetery in Braxton, MS. Timothy and Matthew Temple will be officiating her celebration of life. Arrangements are being handled by Colonial Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Eddie Mahaffey, Grandson, Chuck McGee, Grandson, Wes McGee, Grandson, Chaston Bullock, Grandson, Andrew McGee, Great Grandson, Ian McGee, Great Grandson, Trace Brady, Great Grandson, and John Michael Temple, Great Grandson with Honorary Pallbearers Carley Mahaffey, Grandson & Stephanie Bullock, Granddaughter.
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