Ms. Callie L. Redd

Callie Luella Gillespie Redd was born on June 6, 1938, in Washington College, Tennessee, to Robert E. Gillespie and Vera Goines Gillespie. She was the eldest of three children. As a child, Callie attended Booker T. Washington school in Jonesborough, Tennessee, Douglas Elementary, and Dunbar Elementary. She graduated from Langston High School at the age of 16 as salutatorian of her class. During her time at Langston, Callie was a member of several clubs, was a member of the band, playing the clarinet and the oboe, and was a majorette. In her junior year, she appeared on WJHL and WETB radio as a member of the Clarinet Quartet. Callie's hard work in school earned her scholarships for academics and band. From 1955 to 1959, Callie attended Knoxville College, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. In December of 1972, she earned her Master of Arts in English from East Tennessee State University. Callie married the love of her life, Samuel David Redd, on July 29, 1966, in Aberdeen, Maryland. On May 19, 1969, Callie and Samuel welcomed their first child, Kim J. Redd, in Fort Ord, California. She was smart and driven, like her parents, and earned a Master of Arts degree in Medical Anthropology from Georgia State. Only three months after receiving her degree, Kim was called home on March 29, 1999, in Johnson City, Tennessee. After 54 blessed years of marriage, Samuel was called home on December 19, 2020. Callie had a passion for learning and exploring. She enjoyed reading and studying the Bible, reading fiction and non-fiction literature, solving crossword puzzles, and working in her yard. She also traveled to all 50 states as well as parts of Canada and the Bahamas. As much as she loved gaining knowledge for herself, she also loved to pass it on to others. She worked for 36 years in 4 schools in the Johnson City School system. Through the years, she taught English and French, served as a homeroom teacher, oversaw extracurricular activities, and chaperoned student trips to D.C. and New York. Callie became a member of Grace Temple Church at the age of 12 and remained involved in the church throughout her life. She served as a Sunday School teacher, women's coordinator, Victory Choir member, Kitchen Aid, clean-up committee, usher, and bulletin board caretaker. She was also an active community member serving in the NAACP, Monday Club, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and Senior Citizens Board. For her dedication to teaching and her community, Callie was inducted into the Science Hill High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2007, the Carver Recreation Center Wall of Fame in 2017, and the Johnson City School Hall of Fame in 2019. Callie was called home to join her Savior and family Saturday, July 12, 2025, at her residence. She leaves behind a legacy of excellence, grace, and above all, faith in God that will be remembered and cherished. In addition to her loving husband and daughter, Callie was preceded in death by her parents, Robert E. and Vera Goines Gillespie, and her brother, Thurston Lavoid Gillespie. To cherish her memory, Callie leaves behind her sister, Bobbie Gillespie Scott; sister-in-law, Shelby Redd; and several nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Science Hill High School girls' basketball team.

Ms. Callie L. Redd

June 6, 1938 - July 12, 2025