Mary Elizabeth Calfee

Mary Elizabeth Calfee, 85, a resident of Benton Station, passed away Thursday, September 22, 2016 at her home. She was a member of Michigan Ave. Baptist Church, where she served as pianist for 26 years and was a charter member of Tasso Baptist Church where she served as pianist for 10 years. A person who loved gospel music, she sang with and played for the Joyfullairs trio for several years. She served as first pianist for the Voice of Salvation Choir under the direction of choir director, Wanda Edwards.

During her business career, she was a bookkeeper at Merchants Bank, Cleveland Chair Co., Bradley Farmers Coop and the family farm. In 1954 she and her husband Igean began their dairy farming career in the Michigan Avenue community. The dairy farming business grew to include a large farm in Chatata Valley community and the establishment of Calfee Riverland Farms in Polk County in 1982. The Polk County farm on Upper River Road became the Calfee home for the past 34 years.

She was active in the Michigan Avenue Home Demonstration Club (FCE) for several years and became active in the Benton Station Club when she moved to Polk County. Mrs. Calfee served as president in both clubs for several years. She was a member of the Bradley Band Boosters for 10 years serving as treasurer for one term. She enjoyed art and photography and had received several winning ribbons in acrylics and photography.

The best years of her life was when she was on the farm working in the hay and the land with her husband and her three sons. She loved to fish and hunt for Indian relics. She had a special love for dogs and cats, especially her little dog, Corky who stayed by her side and Whitey and Millie which were outside watch dogs.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sherman and Luta Blankinship Keeney; and brother, James “Socko” Keeney.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Igean Calfee; three sons and daughters-in-law, Ray (Sylvia) Calfee, Rex (Kim) Calfee all of Benton Station and Ron (Laura) Calfee of Chatata Valley; seven grandchildren: Austin (Kayla) Calfee, Chessa Calfee, Shanna Calfee, Anita Calfee, Miranda Calfee, Karra Calfee, and Becca Calfee all of whom she loved dearly. She felt so blessed and thankful for a wonderful Christian family.

The funeral will be conducted Saturday, September 24, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of Fike-Randolph & Son Funeral Home with the Reverend Victor Hayes officiating. Interment will follow in Hilcrest Memorial Gardens.

Her family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday and from 11:30 to 12:30 on Saturday at the funeral home prior to the service.

The family suggests memorials may be made to Michigan Avenue Baptist Church Music Dept., 2741 Benton Pike, Cleveland, TN 37323

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Calfee family guestbook at www.fikefh.com