Cordia Mae "Cordie" Callahan

Cordia Mae Moore Callahan, lovingly known as “Cordie,” passed away peacefully on Thursday evening, December 25, 2025. Born on March 8, 1938, she was the 14th of 15 children (14 surviving) born to Lonnie and Emma Rupard Moore. Cordie grew up in a humble four room home without running water or electricity in the Brushy Mountains, where she learned the value of hard work alongside her parents and siblings.

At the tender age of 11, after the heartbreaking loss of her mother, “Mammy,” Cordie and her two younger siblings moved to Hickory. She later relocated to Charlotte to live with her older brother, Hillard, and his wife, Ruth. It was there, at age 16, that she met the love of her life, Ralph T. Callahan (deceased 2024). They married on March 29, 1954, and shared 69 devoted years together.

Cordie and Ralph were blessed with four children: Jeffrey T. Callahan (deceased 2025), Audrey B. Callahan Martin, Sheila F. Callahan Howell, and Ralph T. Callahan, Jr. She was the proud grandmother of seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. She is also survived by two brothers, R.V. Moore and Billy Moore, and one sister, Margaret M. Wilson.

Cordie’s joys in life were simple and pure. She loved gardening, canning, fishing, mountain day trips, tending her flowers, planting trees, and spending time with her large, close knit family. Above all, she loved her family, her faith, and reading her Bible. Each night, she gathered her children at her feet and read Scripture to them, instilling in each a deep love for God and Jesus—a mother’s greatest gift.

Summers were filled with canning vegetables from the garden and sending her children out to pick blackberries—chiggers and all—so she could make preserves. Only later did they understand the labor and love behind the jars of jams, jellies, and vegetables that sustained the family through difficult times. Cordie never complained.

Some of her children’s most cherished memories include listening to her tell stories of her mountain childhood, hearing her sing hymns while washing dishes, and watching her delight in a simple handful of wildflowers placed in a mason jar—worth more to her than a dozen roses. Audrey especially treasures their quiet morning conversations shared over a cup of coffee.

Cordie lived a life of humility and selflessness. She never had much in the way of material possessions and asked for very little. She always put others first, even when it meant doing without. Though her seven year battle with Alzheimer’s slowly took pieces of her earthly life, it never touched her unwavering will or her steadfast faith.

God gave us Jesus on Christmas Day, and this year, He welcomed a true angel home. We love you, Mama.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Gleaning Mission Church in Oakboro, with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Oakboro Cemetery.

"Life is so fragile when the will refuses to let go. Those faint last breaths that continue to fight to come. That longing to hold on while time steals your existence away. Your body is now just a shell trapping those last heartbeats and breaths within. Time no longer has meaning as it begins to slowly creep to a stop. The gentle touch no longer felt. The soft whispered words no longer heard. Death will come as it surely comes to us all, and yet, life goes on."