Callie Bea Bonds

Callie was born to Joe Willie Braxton Sr. and Ida Mae Braxton on June 23, 1950, in Inverness, Mississippi. They moved to Indianapolis, Indiana when she was just 6 months old.

Callie’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. Baptized at an early age at Greater St. James Church, she carried her love for the Lord throughout her journey. Later, she became a dedicated member of New Haven Missionary Baptist Church under the guidance of Rev. Dr. Raymond F. Hiser. For many years, Callie joyfully sang in the church choir, her voice joining in worship with others. She later rose to become a Trustee under the leadership of Bishop Charles H. McClain. Though not one to boast in loud praises, Callie’s quiet worship spoke volumes. With each song, she would pat her foot, and her tears of joy were a testament to the love and reverence she held for God in her heart.

Callie was a proud graduate of Crispus Attucks High School, and though she attended college for a brief time, she quickly began her career at Methodist Hospital. She later found her true calling with the IRS, where she dedicated 31 ½ years of service, retiring as an IT Specialist. After retiring, Callie decided to conquer one of her greatest fears: going on a cruise. Despite her fear of water, she couldn’t swim and was intimidated by the vastness of the ocean—she overcame her anxieties and embraced the adventure.

Callie had a few favorite pastimes that always brought her joy. She loved watching judge shows and crime dramas, captivated by suspense and intrigue. But her true passion was Christmas movies—she could watch them every day of the year. No matter the season, the holiday spirit was always alive in her heart.

Callie deeply cherished spending time with her family and friends. She grew weary of only gathering for funerals or other somber occasions, so she took matters into her own hands. Determined to create joyful memories, she started hosting a family breakfast or dinner on the first Saturday of every month. This was her way of ensuring that family came together on happy occasions, celebrating life and love rather than just grief.

Callie was preceded in death by her father, Joe Willie Braxton Sr., her mother, Ida Mae Braxton, her ex-husband, Charles Turman, the father of Shawn and Kaci, and her husband, Bobby Bonds.

Callie leaves to cherish her memory her son, Shawn (Carmen) Turman; her daughter, Kaci Turman-Williams; granddaughters, Shawnelle (Brandon) Turman-Robinson and Shayla Turman; grandsons, Drew Watkins, Hollis (Leonna) Coe, and Jeremiah Williams; great-grandsons, Wesley Mullins and Sy’llas Coe; great-granddaughters, Lainey Ocasio and Lauryn Bouler; her brothers, Joe Willie Braxton Jr. and Robert (LouVon) Braxton; her sister, Barbara Braxton-Messer; adoptive children, Kendra Washington and Affan Hisham; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends.