Rosemary Temple Calhoun, 76, of Tifton was reunited with her loved ones in heaven, after she passed away peacefully at Cypress Pond Seasons on Monday, September 23, 2019.
Rosemary was surrounded by dear friends and family, as she transitioned from her earthly home to her heavenly home with her Lord and Savior. Her funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25, 2019, in the Memorial Chapel of the First Baptist Church of Tifton. Dr. Wayne Roe and the Rev. Mark Myers will be officiating. The family will congregate with friends and family at a Celebration of Life reception immediately following in the Memorial Social Hall. There will be a private burial at Oak Ridge Cemetery at a later time.
Ashley Vickers, Cal Vickers, Sam Wright, Steve Woodham, Jim Deal, Mike King, Elliott Temple, Tracy Temple, Bryce “Bunky” Kennedy and Sam Wright, Jr. will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Frank Raley Sunday School Class of Tifton’s First Baptist Church.
Rosemary was born October 22, 1942 in Royston. She was the daughter of the late J. C. Temple and Sallie Mae Floyd Temple. She was also preceded in death by her loving husband of 50 years, Barnwell Rhett Calhoun, Jr.; and by six very close siblings; Pete Temple, Jean Temple Johnson, Gerald Temple, John Temple, Barbara Temple King and Kathy Temple. She graduated from Hart County High School in 1960 and attended Anderson College and the University of Georgia. She then worked for Traveler’s Insurance in Atlanta, where she met the love of her life, Barnwell Calhoun. Once married, they made Tifton their home and began raising their family.
As they immersed themselves into the Tifton community, Rosemary dedicated herself to taking care of her family. At this time, she was active in their church at First Baptist Church, a volunteer in her children’s classrooms and extracurricular activities, a member of Magnolia Garden Club and co-taught the 11th and 12th grade Sunday school class at First Baptist Church for several years, which she thoroughly enjoyed.
In the late 80s, Rosemary decided to venture out with her decorative talents and abilities and became the owner of “A Touch of Rosemary” Gift Shop. During this time, she was featured on QVC, selling the one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted “Savon Roses” and she was a “local celebrity’ on the Fun Channel with Hayward. These years were the highlight of her life. During this time, she worked with many close friends and family members, adding her “Touch of Rosemary” to many different homes and businesses around Tifton and throughout the state.
After this time, Rosemary focused her attention back to her family again. She became “Mimi” to her grandchildren and delighted in spending time with them. She also treasured her time visiting with many close friends and family members.
Most people describe Rosemary as kind and sweet, never a harsh word for anyone. She truly valued her relationships, but especially the ones with her children and grandchildren.
Rosemary is survived by one son, Dr. Rhett Calhoun of Albany; two daughters and sons-in-law, Cherie and Sam Wright and Christie and Ashley Vickers, all from Tifton; seven grandchildren, Brentley Yamnitz Watson, Laura Kate Wright, Sam Wright Jr., Mallory Calhoun, Tillman Calhoun, Cal Vickers and Caroline Vickers; and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff of Maple Court and Cypress Pond Seasons for their love, support and patience during the time “Mimi” called these locations “home”. They were compassionate and patient while Mimi battled dementia and many other health issues. The family is truly grateful for their love and care and would also like to thank the staff of Tift Regional Medical Center and Hospice of Tift Area for their compassion, care and expertise during this time of care and transition.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial gifts may be made to First Baptist Church of Tifton, 404 Love Avenue, Tifton, GA 31794; or Hospice of Tift Area, 618 Central Avenue North, Tifton, GA 31794.