Bertha Mae Calhoun

Mother Bertha Mae Galloway Calhoun, widow of Jessie Richard Calhoun, was born on April 22, 1942, to the late Samuel and Geneva Green Galloway. Mother Calhoun received her formal education in the public schools of Sumter County. She was one of the first persons in Sumter County to help integrate a department store through employment. She was also known as a skilled cook and worked for over twenty years with the former Sumter School District 17 before retirement. She even catered for special events when called upon. Mother Calhoun became a member of St. James in 1972 (fifty-one years ago) when she heard the Word of God preached under the late Pastor Samuel Eaddy. She was baptized in the name of Jesus and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. She engrossed herself in the Word and was a dedicated scholar who was about the Lord’s business. Her greatest passion was giving glory, honor and praise to God. Mother Calhoun was serving as the church secretary, assistant Sunday school superintendent, and secretary of the missionary society. She also served for many years as the church food service chairperson and as a member of the gospel choir. Mother Calhoun was a willing servant who believed in helping others in any way she could. She understood that one of the greatest gifts was that of service. In addition to her parents, Mother Calhoun was preceded in death by two sons, Bernard Galloway and Richard Eric Calhoun; one daughter, Rachel C. Ingram; five brothers, Thomas Galloway, Cornell Galloway, Samuel Galloway Jr, Willie Galloway, and Oneal Galloway; and one sister, Deloris Galloway. Mother Calhoun made her transition on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at Parkridge Hospital in Columbia, SC. Mother Calhoun leaves to cherish precious memories one son, Willie Galloway; daughter, Tammy Calhoun; great-grandchild, Ebonie Issac; three brothers, Earl (Shirley) Galloway, Bobby (Colleen) Galloway, and Frankie Galloway; four sisters, Annie (David) Thorpe, Lucille Mayes, Lillie Sierra and Jessie McCall; grandchildren, Kaylia Isaac, Ray K. Ingram Jr., Brittany (Dominique) Alexander, Ericka (Christopher) Scott, and Aaron (Kirstyn) Ingram; great-grandchildren, Ny’Asia Scott, Dynasty Edwards, Isaiah Harris, Christopher Scott Jr., Amara McFadden, Gabrielle Alexander, Aria Ingram, and A’Laya Scott; sisters-in law, Daisy B. Calhoun and Thomasina Galloway and Ida (Joseph) Bolden; a special cousin, Gwen McFadden; close friends, Mother Goldie Harper, Mother Fannie McNeil, Mother Margaret Lawson, Mother Betty Eaddy, Ruby Thomas, Bettye Tomlin, and Louise Coleman; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Bertha Mae Calhoun

April 22, 1942 - October 10, 2023

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