DARLENE JOY WILLIS ANDERSON CALLISON

Darlene Joy Willis Anderson Callison, 88, of Palatka, FL passed away Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at Vintage Care in Palatka following a brief illness.

Joy was born in Haysi and later lived in Detroit, Michigan and Statesville, NC before coming to Palatka, Fl. in 1961. She earned her G.E.D in 1972, the same year her son, Eddie, graduated from high school. In 1989, Joy retired as a teacher’s aide with the Putnam County School District after 17 years of service. She had been a member of St. Johns Avenue Baptist Church (formerly Lemon Heights) and enjoyed the Senior Social dances at the Shrine Club in East Palatka, garage sales and thrift shopping, quilting, fishing, cooking (she was famous for her fried apple pies), family gatherings and reunions, trips to her cabin in Haysi, and bluegrass music (especially when played and sung by her son, Scott). Her proudest achievement in life were her three sons.

Preceding her in death were her first husband, Alva A. Anderson and her second husband, Carroll Callison; three brothers, Omel Willis, Neevil Willis, and Donald Willis; seven sisters, Trella Boyd, Betty Garrett, Annisteen Burchett, Kate Joyce Willis, Zephyr Willis, Verna Mae Ratliff, and Alice Ratliff; and a daughter-in-law, Mary Anderson.

Surviving are three sons and daughters-in-law, Rick and Sherri Anderson of Ormond Beach, Fl., Eddie Mack and Donna Anderson of Palatka, Fl. and Scott Anderson and his fiancée, Maureen Reilly of Gainesville, Fl.; two sisters, Mary Lindsey of Florence, Al. and Samma O’Quinn of Cleveland; eight grandchildren and spouses, April Anderson, Derek Anderson, Adam (Isabel) Anderson, Ethan (Keitha) Anderson, Jessica (Stephen) Anderson, Juliana (Curtis) Jones, Tyler (Temma) Anderson and Amanda (Christian) Ward; and seven great-grandchildren, Alex Anderson, Jack and Fiona MacMillan, Penny and Maxwell Anderson, Sarah Abigail Anderson, and Leo Jones.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, March 26, 2022 at Masters Funeral Home in Palatka, Fl. with Pastor Don Burnett and Hospice Chaplain Jakie Carmicle officiating. The family will begin receiving friends one hour prior to the start of the service. Burial will follow in Palatka Memorial Gardens. Friends may sign the online register at www.themastersfuneralhomes.com.

Masters Funeral Home of Palatka is in charge of arrangements.