Lillie Joe Caraway

Lillie Joe Caraway Born in Calhoun County to Joseph Edgar and Mozelle Holley on October 5, 1924, she passed away Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at Tapestry Assisted Living Walden of Tallahassee where she had resided with loving care since April, 2019. Her adventurous life was dedicated to Christian service, family and friends. She married, Albert B. Caraway, her school sweetheart, and followed him in his Navy career until retiring to Tallahassee in 1962. Starting a second career in academia at Florida State University they settled in the late 60’s in Marianna, Florida and dedicated themselves for the remainder of their lives to Christian Education, First Baptist Church of Marianna, Chipola College, International Missions and the community. Full time missions lead them to start-up schools in Honduras, Philippines and Russia. In the early 70’s they were founders of the Camper on Missions for Southeast USA. She proudly shared her travels and many other projects that remain active today by educating others in the importance to ‘pass-it-on.’ In the past 20 years she found joy in volunteering, as a Greeter, at the Atlanta Olympics, Jerusalem Travels, Jacksonville Seaport Missions, Hawaii Christian Camps, North Carolina Ridgecrest Baptist Camp, Southern Mission Board, Vacation Bible Schools and Marianna Day Spring Christian Academy. Once asked how many languages she spoke given her world travels, she replied, ‘just one that I call ‘universal love.’ Through her focus on sharing her life adventures, she inspired many to observe and love others. She was honored to become Florida Worthy Matron of the Eastern Star Order, a Chaplin, leader in the Southern Baptist Convention and Baptist Women Mission Union. Other notable leadership and instruction awards were presented to her during her lifetime of service to others. She is survived by daughter and son-in-law, June and Paul Williamson, daughter-in-law; Vivian Caraway; 6 Grandchildren, Hollie Garza (Helio), Brent Caraway (Oudia), Shawn Caraway (Denise), Michelle Henley (Walter). Elizabeth Wagner (Billy) and Paul Williamson (Meredith.); and 16 Great-Grandchildren who adoringly call her Gran-Gran; Hunter, Harper, Haylie, Manning, Carrie Grace, Isabella, Abbey, Della, Taylor, Billy, Ashleigh, Emma, Lyla, Adley, and Boone Calhoun. She was predeceased by her husband and love of her life in 1996, Albert B. Caraway; and her son in l997, Albert H. Caraway. Great appreciation is extended to Dr. Richard Christopher, M.D. and Mrs. Stephanie Parmer for many years of compassionate care and professionalism. Sincere gratitude is recognized to the staff at Tapestry Assisted Living Walden for their skilled patience and understanding working with elderly dementia residents and their families. A private graveside service will be held at Nettle Ridge Cemetery in Calhoun County, Sunday, January 3, 2021. In her memory, donations may be made to Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32308; or First Baptist Church of Marianna, 2897 Green Street, Marianna, FL 32446; or Chipola Scholarship Fund/Albert Caraway, c/o Chipola College, 3094 Indian Circle, Marianna, FL 32446.

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Lillie Joe Caraway

October 5, 1924 - December 30, 2020