Elsie McCallum

Church Member Filled Other Lives with Compassion and Hugs. Elsie McCallum, age 107, went to be with her Lord and her beloved Ed on June 17, 2010. Elsie was born on May 10, 1903 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas to Dee and Genie Lybrand. She attended Pine Bluff public schools and graduated from Central High School. She developed a great love for flying and at age 18 flew in an open cockpit aircraft to New Orleans from Pine Bluff. Following graduation she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma. She continued her love for aviation and was a member of the Women National Aeronautical Association. While in Tulsa, Elsie met and married Edmund Cooper McCallum, head of the Land Department of Amoco Oil Company. They were active supporters of the arts community and especially the Tulsa Littler Theater. She and Ed enjoyed many trips to attend special performances of Symphonies, Operas and Broadway productions. While in Tulsa, Elsie was the first woman to serve on a Federal Grand Jury. Following Ed's retirement with Amoco and Company in 1953, Elsie and Ed moved to Dallas where he joined General American Oil. Ed passed away in 1978 while enjoying afternoon tea with Elsie. Upon moving to Dallas, Elsie began a lifetime of love of service to the Altar Guild at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church. She was an active member and Honorary Directress of the Altar Guild at the time of her death. Elsie is not survived by children, but a church parish of 1000's of members she called her family. She loved everyone with a wonderful smile, concern for well being and opened arms for that special hug. In honor of her 100th birthday, St. Michael and All Angels members made contributions in her name to the chapel restoration project. The church also presented her with a special commemorative chair for her dedicated service. In addition to her St. Michael family, Elsie is survived by her great-niece Candy Miller and husband Keith and two great-great-nieces, Kori Miller Smith and husband Chad and Karis Miller and nephews Ronald Lybrand, Howard Wayne Lybrand and Jim Lybrand. She was preceded in death by her sister Lola and brothers Floyd, Howard and Dewell. Elsie is also survived by her many friends who are members of the staff at the Shelton. She has said many times that there are "not enough good words for the entire staff at the Shelton Condominiums...it couldn't be more fabulous or the service greater". A heart full of thanks is extended to the caregivers from Health Bridge particularly Jane, Caroline Sophie and Patricia. A service of Burial of the Dead will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church with burial following at 2 p.m. at Hillcrest Memorial Park. The Reverend Dr. Robert Dannals celebrating. In lieu of Flowers, donation may be made to the Elsie McCallum Altar Guild Fund at St. Michael and All Angels Foundation, 8011 Colgate, Dallas, Texas 75225.