Callie’s memorial service began at 3 pm Saturday, April 24. The service was not open to the public but the church welcomed everyone via live stream.

You can find the video on First United Methodist Church’s live stream account here. You can also see the service in the box, below.

We’re especially grateful to our pastors, Debra Swing and Willis Greene, for organizing such an appropriate celebration of Callie’s life. The music in the service was a gift from Brock and Lauren Smith, Callie’s uncle and aunt, and Ben Smith, Callie’s cousin. Songs: “Untitled Hymn” written by Chris Rice; “Morning Has Broken” with text by Eleanor Farjeon.

The service also featured a table of photos from throughout Callie’s life. You can click on the photos below to see larger images.

We have read every Facebook comment, every comment on this blog, and every card that we have received since Callie’s passing. Thank you to everyone for sharing so much love and support.

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.” Philippians 1:3.

This morning, our precious Callie died peacefully in our arms at home from Spinal Muscular Atrophy. In the end, Callie’s approach to death was the same as her approach to life: She embraced it. And she was so very brave on her journey to Heaven. Callie was loved by many and we miss her more than words can say. More details about a service will be posted later.