Obituary of Ann Lawson Callison

Ann Lawson Callison, 93, died peacefully on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, following an extended illness during which she was surrounded by her family and friends, and cared for by the extraordinarily compassionate professionals of Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community in West Columbia and Prisma Hospice.

Ann was born in Union, South Carolina, on May 24, 1930, to W.T. and Nettie Lawson.  After graduating from Union High School, she attended Business School and worked with Arthur State Bank, Richland County School Districts, and Lexington County Savings & Loan.  During her tenure with the Savings & Loan, she met Jack Callison, whom she married in 1968.  Ann and Jack lovingly raised four children in Cayce, spending many fun summers at Lake Murray.

Ann cherished her church affiliation with Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church, where she enjoyed working with the Altar Guild and nursery, and earlier with State Street Baptist Church, where she was a long-time member of the Hannah Plowden Circle.  Many kind gestures extended by both of her church families during the years she was confined to home, brought Ann profound comfort and joy.

Unconditional friendship and good humor were the hallmarks of Ann’s life.  She always advised the kids, “you can’t have too many friends”, and she modeled good friendship her entire life.  Her most fun times were spent with Jack attending dinners and conferences with the Supper Club, Has-Beens (former Lexington Two School Board members), City of West Columbia, and Lexington Medical Center Board.  For decades, she showered many loved ones with homemade Easter baskets and pound cakes.  During her years at Still Hopes, she entreated caregivers and therapists to “have a seat and take a rest” to talk about their lives and interests.  She effortlessly offered trusted advice and wittiness to all and was well-loved in return.

Ann was predeceased by her husband, Jack Reel Callison; sister, Frances Gregory; brother, Gerald Lawson; and daughter, Laurie Callison Slawter.  She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Carole and Gene Clark; her children and their spouses, Scott and Leslie Dunlap Callison of Clemson, SC, Martha and Bobby Boutwell of Sylvester, GA, and Judy and John Fisher of Cayce, SC; seven grandchildren: Reel Callison (Sarah), Caroline Callison Lambert (Justin), Morgan Boutwell, Hunter Boutwell (fiancé, Taylor), Micah Boutwell Varella (Nathan), Callison Fisher and Jack Fisher; and four great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by beloved nieces, nephews, and friends, including faithful, special nephew and niece, Phil and Dianne Gregory, and friends, Jean Latimer and Joyce Rogers.  Ann’s family wishes to thank the physicians, nurses and CNAs who enriched the quality of her life in so many ways, with special thanks to Marie, Renee, Brandy, Stacy, Dorraine, Iman, Priscilla, Pete, Cassie, Nikki and others.

The family requests that memorials be given to Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church of 1000 B Avenue, West Columbia, SC  29169 or the Still Hopes Employee Appreciation Fund of One Still Hopes Drive, West Columbia, SC  29169.

The family will receive friends at Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church on Sunday, September 10, 2023 from 1:30PM-3:00PM.  Funeral services will be at 3:00PM at Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church, with a family burial following at Southland Memorial Gardens.