Minnie "Punch" Calloway

MINNIE CALLOWAY, known to family and friends as “Punch” or “Calloway”, age 97, was born January 16, 1924 in Mecklenburg County, VA. She peacefully departed this life on August 13, 2021 at Stoddard Baptist Nursing Home in Washington, DC.

She was the last of her immediate family to enter into eternal rest, and has now been reunited with her parents; Lemuel and Emma Sue Thomas Macklin, her four sisters; Christine Macklin, Indiana Valentine, Ruth Robinson, Willie Mae Macklin, and daughter Joann Parker.

Minnie along with her cousin Grace Macklin left the nest in Bracey, VA at an early age, during which time she met and married Joe Tillman. From this union her only child Joann was born. She ended up making Washington, DC her home and found love a second time with James Calloway who raised Joann as his own until he passed in 1988. Third times a charm, she met the final love of her life, the late "Mr. Benny".

There were two residences that the family remembers well and where she formed her longest lasting family & friend connections. Her 11th Street home is where she bonded with her great-niece Phyllis. When Minnie’s second husband James passed, Phyllis left Bracey to live with Minnie in DC and to attend college at Howard University. Phyllis and her family were consistently supportive and loving throughout Minnie’s lifetime. Her residence at Gibson Plaza Apartments is where she formed her lifetime connections with the staff and many of the residents, in particular Christine & Dave Cannon and Rita & June Brown. 25+ years of friendship for Christine & Dave and 30+ years for Rita and June, during which time they all looked out and cared for her, becoming more like family rather than neighbors. When Minnie became less mobile she was fortunate enough to be in the care of Kenya Johnson, whom she insisted on renaming, and called her Tonya instead. Kenya became more like family to Minnie as well, and she was in her care for five years before going to her final residence at Stoddard Baptist Nursing Home. The Stoddard staff showed much care/compassion, and took great care of Minnie during her last years here with us.

Her daughter Joann was selfless and an excellent caregiver to Minnie, visiting her every week without fail. Minnie’s granddaughters continued the tradition when their mother was no longer able to do so. Minnie had a special bond with her grandson Michael whom she affectionately called “Ricky Boy”.

Minnie was hilarious and full of life, she adored and cherished her family and friendships, and this sentiment was reciprocated ten-fold by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing her. Her top three favorite things were: the racetrack, elephants, and her cat Sapphire.

She is survived by her Grandchildren; Michael (Ricky) Parker, Melanee (Tracy) Woodard, and Michelle Parker. Great-grandchildren; Steven Howard, Tremayne Woodard, and Meyana Watley. Great-great-grandson Ethan Watley. Nieces; Sally Dunson, Jane Hite, and Betty Jean Boyd. Great-nieces; Phyllis Ross, Brenda Macklin Walker, and a host of other family and friends.

A visitation for Minnie will be held Wednesday, September 8, 2021 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Fort Lincoln Funeral Home, 3401 Bladensburg Rd, Brentwood, Maryland 20722. A celebration of life will occur Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at 10:30 AM, 3401 Bladensburg Rd, Brentwood, Maryland 20722. An interment will occur Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at Quantico National Cemetery, 18424 Joplin Road, Triangle, VA 22172.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.fort-lincoln.com for the family.