Missionary Leah Brown Callens

On Sunday June 30, 2024, God sent his angels to bring one of his soldiers home, Missionary Leah Brown Callens. During that moment, the sky lit up a little brighter that night. Leah was 86 years old at the time of her death. Leah was born November 14, 1937, to the proud parents of Mr. Wilfred Brown, Sr. and Mrs. Marguerite Thomas Brown. She had a very strict and regal childhood. She was the sixth daughter to the above-mentioned parents, Wilfred and Marguerite Brown. Leah was an exceptional and beautiful young lady. Her father told her husband, Daniel Callens, Sr., that he almost made him pay to have her hand in marriage because of her beauty. Besides her outer beauty, Leah had a great sense of inner beauty. She was loved by all her nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She was very close with her eight sisters and one little brother. As a young lady growing up, she became a dancer on L.B. Landry Buccanette’s Dance Team. She also was a two- year student at Grambling University’s fighting tigers until she got married. As she progressed into an older youth, she met a country, “boy” by the name of Daniel Lee Callens, Sr. Pastor Robert P. Jones, Jr. introduced Dan to Leah. Once seeing and meeting Leah, Dan called his parents in Dothan, Alabama and said, “I met my wife!” with great excitement. They were married and four children were born from this union. The country “boy”, Dan was an avid fisherman. This past time was not always popular with Leah; not until she learned how to clean the fish and prepare her infamous potato salad. Because of that country “boy” Daniel, Leah became quite a great cook. She was known for her potato salad, bread pudding, baking cakes, and New Orleans gumbo. After marrying Daniel and having four children, Dan and Leah moved to Harvey, Louisiana. Daniel and Leah joined Bible-way Church of God in Christ. She is one of the original members that joined during the Oakdale Church of God in Christ era. This congregation later became Bible-Way Church of God in Christ that is presently in Harvey, Louisiana where she remained a member until her untimely death. She was under the pastors: Superintendent Robert P. Jones, Jr. husband of her oldest sister Missionary Elouise Jones and presently under the pastor, Elder Ishmael Jackson. Leah’s duties at Bible-Way Church of God in Christ consisted of secretary, choir president, District Women’s Department Chairlady and Mistress of Services. She was the Mistress of Service and Chairlady for District Missionary Willie Mae Jefferson, District Missionary Charlotte Mack, District Missionary Queen B. Nard, and at her demise she was the Mistress of Service for District Missionary June Coleman. Before her untimely death, she was the Mistress of Service for Supervisor Mother Queen B. Nard’s Women’s Night during the Jurisdictional Convocation. She leaves to cherish her precious memory her children: Daniel Lee Callens, Jr. (Anna Raydette), Glenda Faye Callens-Francois (Joseph), Deborah Ann Callens, and a daughter-in-law Lesia Callens. Her grandchildren: Ni’na Truitt (Derek), Christopher Joseph Callens, Danielle Leighann Callens, Joshua Joseph Cross, Kevin Peter Callens, Jr., and Leah Marie Cross. great-grandchildren: Layla Truitt and Hunter Truitt. Her siblings: Yvonne Vancourt (Herman) and Wilfred Brown, Jr. (Doris), three sisters-in-law: Dutchie Marie Beauford, Mae Nell Brackins (Albert), and Everlina Callens. Her special nephews: Michael Fred Beauford and Wardell Johnson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many more family and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents: Wilfred Brown, Sr. and Marguerite Thomas Brown. Her loving husband: Daniel Lee Callens, Sr. and her second born son: Kevin Peter Callens, Sr. Her sisters: Missionary Elouise Jones (Robert), Rhea Rollins (Peter), Daisy Ventress (Walter), Shirley Brown, Ruth Davis (Edward), Elodie Duplessie (Samuel), Eunice Johnson (Wilfred), and Valarie Bailey (Raymond). A sister-in-law: Luvenia Blackmon and brother-in-law: Jessie Callens. Leah came to her demise surrounded by her loving children and grandchildren. Her greatest love was spending time with her children and grandchildren. She believed in sharing her words of wisdom. Her favorite past time was cooking, baking, and watching sports. She also enjoyed watching westerns, the Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Leah will truly be missed by many.

Tributes

Missionary Leah Brown Callens

November 14, 1937 - June 30, 2024