Ileta Mae McCallister

Ileta Mae Maynard McCallister, 89, of Holden WV, passed away peacefully, February 6, 2023, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. 

Ileta, born on March 19, 1933, to the late Wetzel and Cynthia Bradshaw Maynard, just as the Great Depression set in. She weighed only 3 1/2 lbs at birth and spent her first 6 months sleeping in a shoe box, comfortably tucked in a drawer in her family's dresser.  In addition to her parents she was also preceded in death by her husband, Charles “Gene” McCallister; her brother, Virgil Maynard, and sister, Irene Rucker.

After graduating Logan High School with honors, she married Charles Eugene (Gene) McCallister. Ileta has resided in the same residence, in Holden, for the past 63 years. Ileta maintained her house at such a level of perfection with such gusto and enthusiasm, over the past six decades, that it remains one of the nicest in the community. Ileta was a model for wives and mothers everywhere. Her love for her four children Linda, Dianna, Kevin, and Kim Jon knew no bounds. They grew up feasting on her home cooked meals and indulging in her decadent desserts, including her World Famous Twinky Cake.  With the encompassing love that Ileta provided, combined with her sly wit and humor, and Gene's get-it-done attitude, all their children have flourished, growing up to become exemplary adults. Ileta was the matriarch of the family, hosting Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas gatherings that were the benchmark for family celebrations, which made every holiday a remarkable memory. Her timeless style and impeccable taste combined with her love of decorating was widely noted throughout the area. Ileta became a member of Central Baptist Church in Logan on June 12, 1960. As a member of the Ladies Auxiliary, she enriched the lives of many by planning and decorating for weddings and other celebrations. Ileta was a grandmother to four grandsons, giving them all unending love and support from their very first day, until her last. She made sure they were well fed and clothed throughout their younger years, sharing her faith, instilling values, and teaching them life lessons that they will never forget. Ileta enjoyed participating in the Central Baptist Church, cooking, decorating, having her hair done every Thursday at Kitty's Beauty Box, but most of all she loved her family. Her love and care were never ending and ever present. She loved her husband, Children, Grand Children, Sisters, Brother, Mother and Father completely, and she demonstrated that love with selfless service and devotion everyday truly, she created a happy family, the greatest achievement one can realize on this earth. In her final days Ileta made the decision to refuse dialysis and relayed the decision with steadfast bravery to her family and friends, and passed surrounded with all the love and compassion that could be provided by her family. Her dedication to family, her loving compassionate disposition, sense of style, and her witty humor will be missed by us all. 

Thank you for all the love and memories over the years. We will miss you terribly until we meet again. 

She is survived by her children, Linda Brennan, and husband John, Dianna Perdue, Kevin McCallister, and Kim Jon McCallister, and his wife, Brenda Jude; grandsons, Jared McCallister, Jon Brennan, and his wife Gina, Patrick Brennan, and his wife Lindsay, and Ethan McCallister; great-grandchildren, Vivian and Evelyn Brennan and Brooks McCallister Brennan.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, February 10, 2023 at the Central United Baptist Church with Drew Bledsoe and Bill Wooten officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens at Chapmanville. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church.

Online condolences may be left at www.jamesfh.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Akers-James Funeral Home, Logan, WV.