Deborah Callis

Deborah Callis, 67, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Friday, June 3, 2016. Deborah was born in Edna, May 18, 1949, to the late John O. and Porgie Bryant.     She attended both George Washington Carver and Edna High Schools and was a lifelong member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. She graduated from Huston-Tillotson College in Austin. She was a retired educator teaching in both Victoria and Edna Independent School Districts where she touched the lives of countless children with her stern but loving teaching style. She had a special place in her heart for all children. She was married to Toney Callis and was the mother of four adult children whom she loved dearly. Deborah loved all of her family members and had a sweet and beautiful disposition and a fighting spirit. She refused to give up in spite of the hardships and setbacks she may have faced. When asked how she was doing she would always respond with, “Oh, I’m perking”. She will be missed.     She leaves to cherish her memory sons, Yeury Bryant (L’Rhonda), Reginald Callis and Kendrick Callis (LaTasha); daughter, Toni Acosta (Wilson); brothers, Everett Bryant (Patricia), Reginald Bryant (Mary), Curtis Bryant (Martha), Darren Bryant, and Kevin Bryant; sisters, Margie Miller (Bobby), Sandra Callis (Herschel), Barbara Boston, Primrose Holcombe, Johnnie Boston (Lloyd), and Linda Gail Jordan (Andrew); uncles, Tvan Bryant and A.B. Clay, Jr.; aunt, Willie Mae Hilder; step-children, Lester Callis, Toney Ray Callis (Demetria) Deloris Ann Brooks, James Callis, and Darlene Brooks; grandchildren, Lakisha Turner, Yeury Turner, Yeuresha Turner, Yeurail Turner, Kerryiana Polk, Kamai Brown, Areyonna Beard, Kaden Acosta, and a host of step-grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Also to cherish her memory include a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that she loved dearly.     She was preceded in death by grandparents, A.B. Clay, Sr. and Ilea Clay; parents, John O. and Porgie Bryant; husband, Toney Callis; brother, John O. Bryant, Jr.; sister, Linda Bryant; stepsons, Josh Callis and Andrew Callis; her special Aunt Edith; and special best friend Sandra Howard.     Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 11 at 11 a.m. at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Edna. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Garry L. Roberts of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in San Antonio officiating.     Services are under the direction of Cook-Butler Funeral Home, 361-782-3821.