Mavis Smith Callender, 89, died Thursday, May 8, 2008, atNatchitoches Regional Medical Center after a long illness. Mrs.Callender was a native of Brookhaven, where she graduated from LoydStar High School in 1938. She was married in August 1940 to theRev. D.L. Callender, and they remained together for 68 years.

Mrs. Callender was a devoted wife, who followed her husband upand down the East Coast during the time he was in service beforeWorld War II. In the early 50s, the Rev. Callender was called topreach. She was his most staunch supporter and a loyal helpmatethroughout their 50-year ministry in Mississippi and Louisiana.

Mrs. Callender is survived by her husband, the Rev. D.L.Callender, a native of McComb; two brothers, Sam and Marvin Smith,of Brookhaven; one son, Thomas Ray Callender and wife Celeste, ofBaton Rouge, La.; two daughters, Linda Cummings and husbandCharlie, of Lafayette, La., and Peggy Cedars and husband Bobby, ofNatchitoches. She also has four grandchildren: Todd Callender, ofNew Orleans, La., Bert Callender and wife Karen, of Denham Springs,La., Jennifer Milner and husband Derick, of Brandon, and Sam Wellsof Clinton. Great-grandchildren include Sarah, Emily and CalebCallender of Denham Springs.

She is preceded in death by her father, Bert Smith; her mother,Cordie Cagle Smith; two brothers, Odell and Versie Smith; and twosisters, Velma Smith Jacobs and Jennie Smith Reeves.

Visitation will be held from 4 until 8 p.m. on Friday, May 9,2008, at Catchings Funeral Home in McComb and on Saturday, May 10,from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., at Macedonia Baptist Church inBrookhaven, funeral and graveside services immediately followingwith the Rev. Tommy Rush of Natchitoches officiating.

Pallbearers will be Sam Wells, Bert and Todd Callender, DerickMilner and Kenneth and Wayne Smith.

Mrs. Callender was a devoted wife, a caring and supportivemother and a good friend to all who knew and loved her.