Callie Mae Ivory

Callie (Adams) Ivory was born in Geiger, Alabama on January 6, 1926, the oldest daughter born to Sara and Sussex Adams. Her parents were farmers and Callie and her sisters lived on a plantation where they were raised by their paternal grandparents, Sussex and Rachel Adams. Callie's grandfather owned and operated the plantation that consisted of 500 acres.

Callie was joined by two sisters, Idella and Lula Mae. The girls had a wonderful childhood living with their grandparents on the plantation. The enjoyed playing hopscotch and helping their grandmother cook. Rachel was a talented cook who specialized in homemade southern food. Dinners often consisted of fried chicken, greens, cornbread and sweet potato pie. Callie recalls fetching eggs from the chicken house and washing dishes after the meals were served. She also remembers that her Aunt Maggie handmade beautiful dresses that the three girls wore to church each Sunday.

Callie attended school at Nelson School in Laurel, Mississippi. Although she did not graduate, Callie enjoyed her time at school, especially Mrs. Jiles, who taught math.

Mary Gilmore introduced Callie to her future husband, Charles Ivory, at a party in 1948. The couple courted for two years before marrying on January 15, 1951 at the courthouse in Toledo, Ohio.

Charles worked for Lee Motors for nine years, Stinger Auto Sales for nine years and retired from Hatfield Olds after nineteen years of employment. Callie owned and operated group homes on Oakwood and Green Streets off and on for 20 years, where she provided care to individuals with mental illness.

Charles and Callie have two daughters, Elizabeth and Cynthia. Elizabeth was born on May 26, 1952 and Cynthia came along two years later on December 4, 1962. The girls recall that they had a wonderful childhood and that they were blassed to have living parents.

Elizabeth is married to Terry Lincoln, Sr. and they reside in Toledo, OH. The couple has daughters and three sons and a host of grandchildren.

Elizabeth's daughter, Marquette is married to Eric Stewart and they reside in Detroit, Michigan. She works part-time at a bank and keeps busy as a housewife and mother. They have a nine year old daughter, Kadin.

Elizabeth's other daughter, Nicole Clark resides in Winsor, Canada and she works as a customer service representative. She has a seven year old son, Marcus.

Cynthia resides in Toledo, where she works as a supervisor at the Northwest Ohio Developmental Center. She has a nineteen year old son, Charles "Brice" Simpson. Brice attends the University of Toledo where he also works in a part-time position.

The family can recall going on vacation to Mississippi to attend family reunions for Charles' side. The family traveled together in a car with the dog. The girls remember that it was very hot on the trip. During their stay, they went to see where Callie was raised and visited with her side of the family. Other vacation destinations included Paducah, Kentucky and Corinth, Mississippi. Trips to Sandusky were also frequent, as Callie's mother and her sisters resided there.

Holidays in the Ivory home were always celebrated in style. Callie always cooked large meals and made sure the girls had beautiful, new dresses to wear for the Easter and Christmas celebrations. The family also held barbeques at their home in the summertime; outside family members were always invited to share in the delicious food.

Callie and her husband became Catholic and worshipped at St. Francis De Sales. She also volunteered at Head Start. In her leisure time, Callie enjoyed going to the casino and relaxing at barbecues. She also takes pleasure in watching the soap operas on CBS. Callie loved to listen to the blues on the radio on Saturdays. She also liked to listen to the music of Michael Jackson.

Callie had a Scottish terrier named Frenchy. He was a beloved dog who went to the salon to be groomed each month for approximately ten years.

Callie's family and friends are invited to visitation on Tuesday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4150 W. Laskey Rd. (419-473-0300). Funeral Services will begin Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Forest Cemetery.

Those wishing to make monetary donations are asked to consider the family.