April 9, 2021. She was born September 10, 1950, in Jackson, Mississippi, the daughter
of Michael and Jane Kountouris. She received her Bachelor’s degree in education from
the University of Mississippi and later taught elementary school for ten years. After
moving to Dallas, she capitalized on her warmth and affinity for others and became a
sales director for Imprimis, a clerical employment placement agency. She met and later
married her husband, Keith. Together, they settled in University Park and had one
daughter, along with three other children from Keith’s previous marriage, who she loved
and raised as her own.
Callie left her job to devote her full attention to motherhood and her family. She had an
endlessly nurturing spirit and adored being a mother, participating in every school
activity and selflessly supporting her children in their many endeavors. She re-entered
the business world in 2005, when she began marketing Papou's Comeback Sauce, a
dressing inspired by the one her father first developed at his popular Jackson,
Mississippi, seafood restaurant, the Mayflower Café. She pursued this venture with
tenacity and heart, never missing an opportunity to share her family’s legacy with
anyone she met.
Callie loved to travel and often returned to Patmos, Greece, where her parents were
born. She was also an active member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, where
she served with the Daughters of Penelope and volunteered at the annual Greek
Festival. She had a deep love and pride for her Greek heritage and ensured those
around her appreciated the Greek culture as well.
As all who knew her are quick to say, Callie's joy came from her love of being with people. Her charm, warmth and infectious personality made her beloved by many. She was always the life of the party and spent her days with her many friends and loved ones. She was the first to celebrate her friends’ good news and the first to comfort those in need. An avid organizer, Callie loved to plan special events and vacations with her group of friends, whom she affectionately called her “Greece Sistas” and “Greek
Kouklas”. She spent her time cultivating friendships, entertaining friends and family,
giving back to charitable organizations and dancing, her self-professed hobby. Whether
it was a baby shower, a bridal party, a trip to the ocean or the perfect home-cooked
meal, Callie’s kind heart and generosity shined in the way she gave so much to others.
She was a one-of-a-kind person with a radiantly joyful, loving and empathetic
disposition who touched the lives of those around her.
For over three years, Callie faced pancreatic cancer with bravery and an unwavering faith. Although her life was shorter than we wanted it to be, it was a life well-lived. She is survived by her husband Keith, her children; Natalie, Michael, Jordan and Kimmie, her grandchildren; Jackie, Xia, and Samona, her siblings Jerry Kountouris (Sarah) and Irene Kountouris, niece Kimberly Thompson (Ted) and her children Nicholas, Luke, and Doss, nephew Michael Kountouris (Georgia) and his children Alexis and Michael.
We miss you Callie.
A private service will be held in celebration of Callie’s life at the Holy Trinity Greek
Orthodox Church on April 26, 2021, at 12:00 pm CST. In-person attendance is by
invitation only, but all are welcome to attend the service virtually at https://youtu.be/y8WQKWvVgr4. The family thanks the many people who knew and loved Callie for the tremendous outpouring of prayers, love, and support. For those wishing to honor Callie’s memory, the family kindly requests your consideration in making a donation to PanCAN, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
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