of Little Rock, AR
December 2, 1940 - April 14, 2022
Saundra Dean Callaway
December 2, 1940 April 14, 2022
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course; I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7
My Story, My Journey, My Legacy.... As we retrace the footprints of Saundra Dean Callaway, we can only give thanks for the many lives she touched and enriched along her life's journey. She was an amazing, spirited and beautiful woman, and she was blessed to enjoy many of God's blessings as a child, a wife, and a mother.
Saundra Dean began her journey of life on December 2, 1940 in Little Rock, Arkansas, as the only child of Mr. & Mrs. Darace McMurry and Howard Leslie Dean. Her father deceased when Saundra was eight years old. Her mom later married Robert T LaFollette, Jr., and Bob raised Saundra as his own, and loved and adored her and her family until his death. On the evening of April 14, 2022, Mrs. Callaway peacefully stepped from mortality into eternity in her 81st season of life.
Saundra graduated from Central High School in Little Rock, AR in 1957. Upon graduating, she attended college earning a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. She has continuing education hours from several colleges/universities, including LSU. Mrs. Callaway loved the teacher conferences that she had the opportunity to attend while working as a classroom teacher in Benton, AR. Saundra loved the Lord Jesus Christ. She served faithfully at church until her health failed. She believed in the value of service and was a productive member of Kappa Kappa Iota, a sorority for educators and Les Moderns, formerly La Modern, a philanthropic organization.
When she was a young lady she met the handsome and charming Charlie Callaway and after an appropriate courtship, they were married in 1961. Together, they laid a solid foundation for family life, based on love, commitment, and Christian values. Saundra and Charlie became the proud parents of two beautiful children, Chanda and Callan. They are the grandparents of one incredible granddaughter who was born in 2010, Charly Ann Callaway. Saundra's love for Charly was beyond measure!
Saundra loved life. She especially enjoyed teaching, traveling, dancing, and fellowshipping with family and friends. She will be remembered for her compassion for animals; she loved cats, and she had forever love for her 130 lb. dog named Peebles. She was known as the teacher who was guaranteed to have a classroom pet most memorably, a hedgehog named Heather and an assortment of turtles.
Mrs. Callaway was preceded in death by her loving husband, her parents and her beloved uncle Haskell McMurry.
She leaves to cherish and honor her life's journey: her son Callan Callaway of Little Rock, AR and his special friend, Ms. Layton Walton; her daughter Chanda Callaway of Little Rock, AR, and her granddaughter Charly Ann who was the apple of her eye. She also had special cousins who considered Saundra as an aunt: Diane Gardner (Marvin) and Donna McMurry of San Antonio, TX, and Linda Bell (Ivan) of Greers Ferry, AR. She held dear her former students, coworkers, and the special relationships she formulated at Angie Grant Elementary in Benton, especially Andrea Willis, Paula Ireland, and Carolyn Myers aka Gilkie. Many lives have been made brighter and enriched because of Saundra Dean Callaway. Her legacy of love and service will live on forever.
A memorial service for Mrs. Callaway will be held on Friday, April 29, 2022 at 4:00 PM at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home; 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72211.
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21 Condolence(s)
Lisa Mundy
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
Saundra was a wonderful mentor teacher! I may have been a young coworker, but I was learned from her too. Her quick wit and laugh could put me at ease if I was having a bad day.
She was a great lady. Prayers for comfort and peace.
Tacarra Wright
Tuesday, May 31, 2022
Awe 💔 out of all my teachers you was one I remember most of all. You always made sure your students was OK at home or school. I know one thing for sure I always kept my desk clean and always knew by morning I'd have gotten a mouse and that meant we would get something special from you and I couldn't get to your room fast enough the next day. You'll be missed so much you were such a sweet person love always Tacarra
Linda Bacon
Tuesday, May 3, 2022
Donald and I were very sorry to learn of Mrs. Callaway's passing. We are thinking of Chanda and keeping all of the family in our prayers.
Donna McMurry
Sunday, May 1, 2022
Aunt Saundra, we shared a love of cats, reading, movies and more. I can’t imagine you beat me to Heaven. But save us all a seat. As sad as we are that we can’t talk to you here, we know you are healthy and whole and having a great time now in Heaven. I love you.
Barbra Mertins
Sunday, May 1, 2022
My condolences to Chanda and her family in the loss of her mom. I know she will be very missed by you all.
Kim Phelan
Friday, April 29, 2022
Loved working with Ms. Caldwell she will be missed. â¤ï¸
Marvin Gardner
Friday, April 29, 2022
Saundra, I’ll be Tickled Pink to see you again when I get to Heaven. I’d like to think you can see these beautiful tributes. You meant so much to so many. And oh what joy there must have been at the Rainbow Bridge last week. Prissie, Sassy, Dax, all the Heathers….lots of puppy and kitty kisses. Tell my sis, mom and dad hi and hug them for me too. We will love you forever but I know we will meet you there one day soon.
Jerry Callaway
Friday, April 29, 2022
May aunt Saundra have the peace and love of God all around her now and free of pain and sickness.
Betsy Gardner
Sunday, April 24, 2022
auSau has as always been a big part of my life and heart. She will be greatly missed. So many of my cherished memories are from the times we spent together, from doing theater checks to our special dinners at Mexico Chiquita or driving around trying to figure out what a “ten eyed doe†was. I’m sure she’s already playing Kings in the Corner with MeMe. I love you and miss you.
Sue Ann Saugey Martin
Sunday, April 24, 2022
What a wonderful person! We enjoyed each other especially at West Side Jr. High, so many years ago. I know you are at peace in the arms of our Savior Jesus Christ. Prayers and love for Saundra's family and friends!
Patsy (Ramer) Mason
Sunday, April 24, 2022
Although not sharing many classes, we both enjoyed Miss Middlebrooks journalism class! I remember her as a lovely person and a good friend. My symphony to her family!
Betsy Gardner
Sunday, April 24, 2022
auSau has as always been a big part of my life and heart. She will be greatly missed. So many of my cherished memories are from the times we spent together, from doing theater checks to our special dinners at Mexico Chiquita or driving around trying to figure out what a “ten eyed doe†was. I’m sure she’s already playing Kings in the Corner with MeMe. I love you and miss you.
Mary Jo Worley
Sunday, April 24, 2022
I knew Saundra as member of LaModern, a service organization which provided ushers for the Celebrity Attractions productions at Robinson Theater. She was a friendly force & a delightful member. She will be missed by all the other members. We send our deepest sympathies to her family & friends.
Niesha Peters
Friday, April 22, 2022
My condolences to the family of Ms. Callaway. She was my 3rd grade teacher. She and Ms. Gilkie were my favorite teachers in Angie Grant. She will definitely be missed.ðŸ™ðŸ¾ðŸ™ðŸ¾
Damon McDonald
Thursday, April 21, 2022
I loved Mrs Calloway. She was a great teacher, and I was lucky to have gotten her. Our animal was a mouse, and you did as best you could to find the mouse hidden in your desk. She was fair, loving, and took pride in her teaching. Angie Grant had lots of those teachers, my mom was one of them. I am sorry for your loss, heaven gained another great one who made a difference
Damon McDonald
Pam Maisen
Thursday, April 21, 2022
I will always remember Saundra Callaway. She was my oldest son’s 3rd grade teacher. She was also my co-worker and friend. Heather the hedgehog will always be a fun memory. Saundra’s smile could light up a room. She was a devoted and caring teacher who inspired many. I am glad I knew her.
Alice Withers
Thursday, April 21, 2022
My thoughts and prayers are with all of your family. May Gods comfort you as only he can. I taught with Saundra at Angie Grant Elementary for many years. She was a sweet friend and will be missed.
Christopher Lynn Jones
Thursday, April 21, 2022
My thoughts and prayers are with you all...
Melinda (Linda) McMurry Bell
Thursday, April 21, 2022
Even though Aunt Saundra was my cousin I remember Aunt Darace saying how Saundra would love to be addressed as Aunt because, she was the only child. So all my life I've addressed her as Aunt Saundra. We would talk on the phone for hour's. Just before she got sick this last time we were on the phone talking for a few hours about everything. Aunt Saundra I'll miss our phone conversation . Tell Daddy, momma and Aunt Darace I miss and love them too. Give them big hug from me. I'll keep a eye out for Chanda.. Love you and miss you too.
Diane McMurry Gardner
Thursday, April 21, 2022
I’ve read our Cousins are our first friends. Tho 14 1/2 years separated us in age, for the last 30 years you have been one of my closest friends. Never a dull moment. Never run out of things to say or do or talk about. So many adventures. We have been known to talk on the phone for hours - almost 2 hours just as recently as last week. I’m so thankful for our memories. I love you. I miss you. Please hug Meme and Daddy and all the relatives. ♥ï¸
Diane McMurry Gardner
Mika Hyman
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Saundra was my favorite cousin growing up. Darace and Saundra took me shopping when I was about 12. They were so glamorous and especially Saundra was so beautiful. I looked up to her all my young life and loved Uncle Bob and Aunt Darace. We kept in touch for years and then unfortunately we lost touch. I plan on attending her memorial.