Lula Blake Callis

Lula Blake Callis, age 102, of Nashville, Tennessee passed away on Friday, December 22, 2023. Lula was born Monday, November 21, 1921 in Nashville, Tennessee to the late John George and Tina (Perini) Gianikas. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husbands, Jimmy Blake and John Callis; siblings George Gianikas, Mary McDaniel, and Billy Gianikas.

She was the daughter of immigrants raised during The Great Depression. After graduating from East High School, she went to work in her parents' restaurant waiting tables. Later she opened and ran her own restaurant in Hempstead, Texas. In the later part of her life, she enjoyed traveling and playing tennis with her beloved husband John Callis. She is fondly known by her nieces and nephews as "Aunt Lula".

She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Georganne (David) Goodwin, John (Susan) Gianikas, Tim (Susie) Gianikas, Michael (Mary) McDaniel, Johnny McDaniel, and Patsy McDaniel; grandnieces and grandnephews, Joanne (David) Foster, John Goodwin, Tim Goodwin, George Goodwin, Mary (Chris) Lankford, Matthew Goodwin, Lilly (Blake) Taylor, Jennifer (Johnny) Nacarato, and Ashley McDaniel; great nieces and nephews Ashley (Derrick) Gill, Jamison Gillispie, Jackson Nacarato, Riley Nacarato, Rose Marie Taylor, Summer Rose Lankford.

The family would like to thank Aunt Lula's amazing dream team of caregivers who quickly became a huge part of the family; Stacey (Mark) Harris, Ella Webster, Tara Elder, and Denese Hubert. They gave Aunt Lula support and independence which allowed her to enjoy the last five years of her life.

Family and friends will gather to remember Mrs. Callis Thursday, January 4, 2024 from 11:00 until 12:00 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home.

A celebration of life will be conducted 12:00 Thursday, January 4, 2024 in the chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Garden of Meditation of Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.