Mary Joan Calloway

On January 9, 2022, Mary Joan Calloway, 87, of Asheville, NC ascended to Heaven to join her beloved husband of 71 years, Noel. Joan was born on March 3, 1934 in Asheville to Robert Lee Coleman and Velsa Amemiel Coleman. As one of four children, she was preceded in death by sisters Dolores and Betty, and brother Jerry. Joan graduated from Biltmore High School, married Noel in 1950, and started their family. Shortly thereafter, she began her career at Asheville’s Bon Marche department store, where she would later become manager. Far more than simply a boss, Joan shared her generous spirit and unmatched compassion to mentor and care for countless people who were blessed to work with her. The impact of her kindness is still felt by everyone who knew her, and we have all been benefactors of her principal gifts, which were to find the light in the darkness, champion the good in everyone, and always leave with “I love you.” Though she took care of many, she is survived by her daughters Pamela Edwards of Conover and Jan Elingburg of Asheville, and their husbands Tommy Edwards and Rick Elingburg. Also missing their sweet Nanny are grandchildren Lisa Walker and husband Gene, Jan Barham and husband Ed, Chris Edwards and wife Patricia, Melinda Riveiro and husband Greg, and Greg Elingburg and wife Claire. Nanny’s beloved great-grandchildren are Jacob Walker and wife Anna Beth, Joshua Walker and wife Katie, Sarah Walker, Sydney Barham, Laci Barham, Christopher Edwards, Ryan Edwards, Miles Elingburg and Raymond Riveiro. Nanny’s great, great granddaughter is Madison Walker. She is also survived by many special nieces and nephews. A service will be held at Anders Rice Funeral Home in Asheville on Thursday, January 13. The family will welcome visitors at 1 pm with a service to follow at 2 pm. Burial will be in Clarks Chapel UMC Cemetery. Pall-bearers will be grandsons and grandsons-in-law Greg Elingburg, Gene Walker, Ed Barham, Jacob Walker, Greg Riveiro, and honorary family member Ben Medford. Honorary pall-bearers are nephews Ronnie Foster, Carvel Taylor, Onzie Taylor and Weldon Taylor. Joan’s family would like to express their utmost appreciation to the nurses and staff at Givens Estates for their unparalleled care over the past three months. Also, a special thank you is given to David West at Gudger’s Flowers in Asheville. Because of David, Joan had beautiful fresh flowers in her room for her entire stay at Givens Estates. In honor of Joan’s love for cats (and any other animals that would frequent her porch for meals), donations may be made in her name to the Asheville Humane Society at 14 Forever Friend Lane, Asheville, NC 28806. Because of our precious Momma and Nanny, we have received the gift of a true angel on our shoulders, and a legacy that always reminds us to “Just be kind.”