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Nellie Earline Callender

March 1, 1930 — April 26, 2017

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First Baptist Church of Homer

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Arlington Cemetery of Homer

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Nellie Earline Callender

HOMER, LA: Mrs. Nellie Earline Callender Smith, 87, born March 1, 1930 in Haynesville, Louisiana to Nellie and Dennie Callender passed away on Wednesday, April 26, 2017, surrounded by family and friends. Earline, "Nanaw" as she was affectionately known by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, loved life. She met and married her sweetheart Robert Earl Smith, who preceeded her in life in 2011. They were married 64 years and lived in Homer their entire lives. She had a laugh like no other and a smile that was contagious. Along with being a little "feisty," she enjoyed talking on the phone, flowers, and could play the best game of "Rook," hands down. She enjoyed playing in the St. Jude Rook tournament which benefitted the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for many years. She was a lifelong member of Homer First Baptist Church. She was a member of the Rachel Sunday School class for many years and shared a special friendship with her teacher, Mrs. Joy Hays. A very special mother and grandmother, she is survived by daughter, Dianne Harmon and husband, Eddie, son, Gary Smith and wife, Wanda, all of Homer. Grandchildren, Ryan Harmon and wife, Debbie, Denys Smith Ritzell and husband, Jamey, David Smith and wife, Angelia, April Richard and husband, Forrest, Thomas Smith, and Ginger Harmon Baker and husband, Chris. She is also survived by great-grandchildren, Heather Ritzell Moring and husband, Luke, Zachary Ritzell, Chloee and Austin Richard, Chandler Smith, Ashley and Zach Musgrove, Bekah and Aidan Smith, Harmon, Hadleigh and Hollis Baker and Allison and Ashley Hodges. Two sisters, Betty Owen and Artie Alford and sisters-in-law, Mildred McHam and Patsy and Gene Winterrowd, along with numerous nieces and nephews, friends and very special caregivers, Sarah Haynes, Betty Haynes and Linda Bugh, Helen and Clyde Burns and her physician,Dr. Cliff Salmon. Preceding her in death along with her beloved husband and parents were her sister, Lenora "Nonie" Callender, sister and brother-in-law, Oneda and Quenton Wood, and brother-in-law, Curtis Owen. Memorial services for Earline was Friday, April 28, 2017 at Homer First Baptist Church, at 3:00 p.m. with visitation held from 2-3 p.m. Bro. Brian Thurmon and Bro. R. B. Moore will be the officiants. Pallbearers were her grandsons and honorary pallbearers will be Bart Wood, Dr. Cliff Salmon, Helen and Clyde Burns and Al Ratling. The family wishes to express many thanks to everyone who has loved and cared for her for many years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Homer First Baptist Church or Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church.

Rose-Neath Funeral Home