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.
Callie has been a part of my heart since I met your family with the Duke Genetics team when you were beginning your journey with SMA. Thank you for sharing your beautiful girl. I watched her grow and evolve on this website, and saw such love in every entry you created. Thank you for the gift of Callie. My heart goes out to you all. Special hugs to Peter.
What a beautiful, touching memorial service for your precious girl! Praying the peace of Christ which surpasses all understanding will sustain and enfold your sweet family.
I only met Callie once. It was when she was a tiny baby and Nathan had her bundled up in his arms in his office at FPC. Their mutual adoration for each other was apparent from the start.
It has been wonderful for me to receive your regular email notifications and to be Christy’s Facebook friend. Over the years, I have opened each email and read each FB post with eagerness and anticipation of the news of yours and Callie’s experiences. Last Sunday, I couldn’t believe my eyes and burst into tears.
Thank you for allowing me to be part of your journey and for welcoming me into your family’s life. I will always be grateful for the many ways you and Callie have encouraged and inspired me.
Nathan – We sincerely appreciate your commitment to FPC. Your creativity and camaraderie have been gifts to us all.
The most uplifting celebration of life I have ever heard! My prayers for the family as you go forward. You were/are an amazing family. Callie was an amazing little girl.
What a sweet service and remembrance of Callie. Continuing to keep you all in my prayers.
I’m so very sorry. I lift you up in prayer for the Lord to sustain and comfort you. My words are inadequate to express empathy and God’s love. However, because God is true and trustworthy, I know He will wrap His loving arms around you. Holding up your arms in constant prayer, Ruth