Callie Mary

Long Thomas

Callie Mary Long Thomas, a beloved mother, grandmother, teacher, and community pillar, was called to her eternal rest on Saturday, March 22, 2025.  She was born on August 26, 1941, in the Buckhorn Community to Mose and Bessie Banks Long.

Callie lived a life dedicated to faith, family, and education leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and strength. Callie attended Buckhorn Elementary School and Union Grove High School before earning her degree in English and Education from Florida A&M University in 1961. She embarked on a distinguished teaching career that spanned over 40 years.

Callie began her teaching career at St. Paul High School, where she taught English for nine years. She later moved to Grand Ridge High School, where she became a cornerstone for the school for over 20 years. Her first year at Grand Ridge coincided with the school's first year of full integration, a challenging time that she navigated with grace and determination. Over the years, she earned the respect and admiration of both students and colleagues. Each year, she maintained roles as the sponsor for the senior class and the Florida  Future Educators of America (FFEA).

Callie later moved to Marianna High School,   where   she   continued   her   work   as   an   English   teacher   until   her   retirement   from  the Jackson County School Board in 2003.

On April 9, 1966, Callie was united in Holy Matrimony to Haywood Lee Thomas Sr.  Together, they raised a family of three children: Shasma Y. Thomas, Haywood L. Thomas Jr., and James A. Thomas.

Callie was an active and dedicated citizen, deeply involved in her church and local organizations, always seeking ways to serve others.  Callie was preceded in death by her parents, Mose and Bessie Long; her husband, Haywood Thomas, Sr.: her beloved daughter, Shasma Y. Thomas: and her sisters Naomi Clemons, Ruth  Davis, Mildred Long, and Nancy Cox; her brother James Long.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her sons, Haywood L. Thomas Jr. (Michon) and James A. Thomas (Kimonetia) of Atlanta, Georgia; her grandchildren: Damian, Dadrianna, and Kennedi Thomas of Atlanta, Georgia, Dominique Thomas and   Christian Ford of Marianna, Florida, Michael Ford of Tallahassee, Florida, Justin Thomas and Courtney Merritt of Houston, Texas and James Ford Baptiste of New York; she is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Dexter Khalil Thomas   of  Atlanta, Georgia,  Christian Cole and Melania Thomas of  Clarksville, Tennessee, and Kairo Blue Wills of Birmingham, Alabama; her sisters-in-law: Eulice J. Bryant of Marianna, Florida, Juanita Thomas of Silver Springs, Maryland, and Daisy Green (Charles) of Thonotosassa, Florida; two God-daughters: Lateasha Green Simms of Riverview, Florida and
Rotaya Mikell Cobb of Ocoee, Florida as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other close relatives and friends.