Jimmie Maxine Callaway

Jimmie Maxine Callaway, aged 97, passed away on August 26, 2025, in Brownsville, TX. Maxine, as she was affectionately known, was born in Horatio, Arkansas on April 27, 1928. At the age of 5, Maxine and her family moved to Harlingen, TX and shortly after ended up in Brownsville, TX. In 1952, she married William Shelton Callaway, whom she first met through shared friends. Together they shared a life for 62 years. She was the oldest sibling of 13 and previously worked at Western Union Telegraph Company before becoming a full-time mother to her three children. In addition, she always made time to support her grandchildren and was a big part of their lives.

She was deeply devoted to her church, Portway Baptist, and to her spiritual walk. Maxine was also committed to taking daily hour-long walks going into her 90s, a habit in which she believed kept her healthy and at ease in life. Maxine also took great pride in her 1992 Ford Mustang, it was the first brand new car that she had purchased entirely on her own, she would affectionately refer to it as her “baby”. Furthermore, parakeets have always been a standard pet throughout Maxine’s life. Originally, the parakeets were intended for her children and grandchildren, though she did take delight in whistling, talking, and caring for them. One of her hobbies was doing crossword puzzles from books or from the newspaper. Her family fondly looks back on when she had tougher questions, Maxine would ask for help, and they would assist in solving them with her. Another favorite pastime of Maxine’s was watching Westerns such as Gunsmoke and John Wayne movies. Others she enjoyed watching were game shows such as Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. The songbird of the family, Maxine would frequently sing and whistle tunes throughout the day, some of which included: “Why Should He Love Me So?”, “Love Lifted Me”, “Bring Back My Bonnie To Me”, “How Much Is That Doggie In The Window?”, “In The Garden”, “Amazing Grace”, “Each Day I’ll Do a Golden Deed” and “Say, Say Oh Playmate”.

Maxine’s journey on this earth was one undeniably marked by love, compassion, and an unwavering faith in God. A resolute and stoic but powerful force of kindness, her legacy lives in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know and love her. Her memory will be forever in those she touched.

Maxine is survived by her children: William Shelton Callaway III, Michael Ray Callaway (Linda†), and Lisa Marlene Callaway, her grandchildren: Jason Lee Craven, Shelton Forest Hand, Sarina Brittany Ramos, and Dylan Everett Callaway. Maxine is also survived by her siblings, including Ruth Marie Soloman, Glenda Peterson, LaRelda Ann Crow, Shirley Garza, Rodney Crow and her numerous nieces and nephews.

Maxine was preceded by her loving husband of over 50 years, William Shelton Callaway Jr., parents: James Henry and Ruth Lee Crow, siblings: Russell Crow, Beatrice Crow, Donald, Dunkin, Mervin Crow, Kenneth Crow, Marvin and grandson: Samuel L. Johnston.

Family and friends are invited to the Celebration of Life for Jimmie Maxine Callaway at Trevino Funeral Home, located at 1355 Old Port Isabel Rd, Brownsville, TX 78521, on September 4, 2025. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a prayer service at 12 p.m. Services will conclude at 1 p.m.

In Lieu of flowers, please make your monetary donations to Celebrate Recovery at Brownsville Community Fellowship Church, 2414 Central Blvd., Brownsville, Texas, 78520.

May Maxine rest in eternal peace.