Jane Callison

Jane Agnes (McNeely) Callison, age 78, of Lexington, OK, passed away on Friday, July 14, 2023. Jane was born June 10, 1945, in Portales, New Mexico, the youngest of 4 children born to Frank and Gladys (Cearley) McNeely. She grew up on a farm on the east side of Broken Arrow, OK, and attended BA schools (where her mother taught and was a principal), graduating from BA High School in 1963. After graduation, Jane studied music at the University of Oklahoma. While attending a college campus ministry event at the Baptist Student Union, Jane met a handsome young man, James Callison. They fell in love and were married on August 12, 1967, in Broken Arrow. Jane later received her Bachelor of Arts degree from OU in the Class of 1969. The couple first made their home in Norman, OK, before moving to Minneapolis, then Kansas City. In 1973, they returned to Norman, where they raised their children: daughter, Eleanor, and sons, James, Stephen, and Nathan. Jane's life centered around her husband, children, faith, and church. Nothing made her happier than being there for her children. She was always available to help, and she shuttled her four children to activities without complaint. She had a knack for making everyone feel special, important, and loved. She attended her children's sporting events, hosted their birthday parties (where she usually made the cake), and without question would be at their special events. It didn't matter how big or small the event, she was there supporting those she loved. Jane had a tremendous passion for music. She taught children's choir for many years, and she had an encyclopedic knowledge of hymns and contemporary Christian music, often able to provide the title and artist of a song from the most vague descriptions imaginable. She usually listened to classical music, she loved musicals, and she could often be found playing the piano and singing in her home. She thoroughly enjoyed being a part of music, whether that was singing with her church choir or in the Singing Churchwomen of Oklahoma, and she loved playing handbells in the Bell Choir. Very few people can handle the large bells, but she did it with joy! Jane was known by her family as having great wit, as well as being an entertaining story writer, a voracious reader, and a faithful Jeopardy! watcher. Jane was also known for being a wonderful cook. She was a talented seamstress and crocheter, and she loved sharing her handmade gifts with family and friends. Jane made Eleanor's wedding dress, lots of clothes, and numerous afghans for loved ones. Most notably, Jane was known for a deeply anchored faith and trust in Jesus. She endured many trials in her life, yet she glowed with increasing joy as she got older. Jane exemplified being a person of great peace. She was an amazing wife, mother, and grandma and will be dearly missed. She is preceded in death by her husband, James W. Callison; her parents, Frank and Gladys McNeely; her grandson, Psalm Callison; her sisters, Ruth Wilson and Frances Leonard; and her brother, Pat McNeely. Jane is survived by her daughter, Eleanor Bean and husband Rusty of Washington, DC; her sons, James P. Callison of Norman, Stephen Callison of Lexington, and Nathan Callison and wife Amanda of Kiefer, Ok; 17 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of other family and friends. Celebration of Life Memorial Services are scheduled for Thursday, July 27 at 10 am, at First Baptist Church of Norman. www.wilsonlittle.com

Jane Callison

June 10, 1945 - July 14, 2023