Brenda Kay (Wilson) Callihan, age 81, of Paris, Texas passed away on Christmas Day, 2024. She was born on August 5th, 1943 in Blytheville, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Ralph Wilson and Alice Marie (Akers) Wilson; and her sister Patricia Schomburg.
Brenda Callihan was a wife, mother, sister, and loyal friend. As a girl of sixteen, Brenda made the most important decision of her life when chose to give her heart and life to her Savior, Jesus Christ, with whom she now resides. She served Jesus faithfully for 65 years.
The second most important decision of Brenda’s life was to marry her husband, Dale. They dated for two years before marriage and were originally scheduled to be married on December 22, 1964. But those plans had to be altered when Dale, a tight end for Rice University, was selected to play in a college all star bowl game. The wedding was moved to December 29th, they both said “I do,” and Brenda and Dale’s life together lasted six decades. Brenda passed just four days shy of their 60th wedding anniversary. They spent their entire married life in Paris, Texas.
Brenda’s occupation was a homemaker. But those who knew her knew that she was much more than that. She was a trusted friend, encourager, and source of wise counsel for many. Brenda was fearless, the type of woman who always spoke truth… even if you didn’t want to hear it! Her home was the center of her life, and as the old saying goes, Brenda “never met a stranger.” As a result, her back door was always open to any and all.
“Nana,” as Brenda was known to her grandkids, treated all of her family like cherished treasures, always giving and serving in a way that made each of them certain that they were loved. Brenda was a wonderful cook. Her biscuits and gravy, chicken fried steak, and sweet tea were the stuff of legend!
Beyond cooking, Brenda had other wonderful talents. She was crafty (not in the devious way!) but handy and creative, especially with oil painting, macramé, wallpaper and tile. And, Brenda knew how to have fun. She loved playing cards, dominos, bunco and other games, and she loved to travel. She particularly loved nature, the beach, the sun, birds, and good seafood.
Brenda is survived by her husband Dale; her brother Ray Wilson; her sister Dianne Penny and husband Billy; brother in law Dennis Schomburg; by her children, Bryan Callihan and wife Kristi; Angie Moore and husband Joe; Kristi Chaffin and husband Eric; Brett Callihan and wife Kara; by grandchildren, Wade Moore; Ryan Chaffin and wife Jennifer; Kaden Callihan and wife, Shelbi; Ben Chaffin; Katie Chaffin; Chase Moore; Luke Chaffin; Ashlyn Callihan; Keegan, Laken, and Kaelyn Callihan; and by six great-grandchildren—Wyatt, Coltin, Alyssa, Harper, and Noah Moore; and Jack Bryan Callihan.
Brenda’s memorial service will be Monday, December 30th at East Paris Baptist Church with Dr. Danny Moody officiating. Visitation begins at 1 pm with service at 2 pm. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery at 4:30 PM.
