ST. TAMMANY PARISH, LA. Obituary for: CALLAHAN, DEONDRA MARIE Submitted by: Louis Lavedan. Source: E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, Covington, La. Died: Thursday, August 3, 2017 ======================================================================= Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgenweb.org/volunteers/copyright.shtml ======================================================================= CALLAHAN, DEONDRA MARIE December 23, 1959 - August 3, 2017 From God’s loving arms to ours, the beautifully strong Deondra Marie Callahan was born on December 23, 1959 in Bogalusa, La and raised in Covington, La. She completed her high school career at Covington High. Deondra met her husband of 38 years, Billy Ray Callahan, while in Jr. High School. Their journey together depicted true love and an unwavering commitment to one another through whatever came their way. Through their union, they were blessed with three beautiful children. For years Billy Ray and Deondra dedicated themselves to serving in ministry at Faith Bible Church of Covington, La helping many people come into a relationship with Jesus Christ and empowering them to overcome addiction. Whether it was ministry, serving children in the cafeteria at Pine View Middle School, or caring for the elderly, Deondra put love into everything that she did. She truly had a gift of hospitality, observing the two foremost commandments of loving God and loving people. Deondra was also an undercover chef. Over the years, Dee’s kitchen served friends, family, and strangers alike. She considered cooking to be her passion and ministry, and she was willing to be a blessing to whoever needed a good meal. Deondra battled sickness for over 20 years; however, she never let that stop her from being a phenomenal wife, mother, grandmother, sister, niece and friend to many. In the last month of her life, she battled a sickness that led to her transitioning from earth into the presence of the Lord on August 3, 2017. Her transition was marked with the peace and presence of God even though it was tough for all of her loved ones. She truly lived her life on earth in preparation for eternity in the presence of God. Deondra is survived by her devoted husband, Billy Ray Callahan; Children, Coy (Jessica), Courtney, Christopher, Bill (Marika), Terrance, and Ahmad; mother, Elma Jourdan; siblings, Nila (Gary), Tina, Angela, Ricky, and Bernardo (Sandra); special aunt, Evelyn Bazile; fifteen grandchildren; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Clement Bazile; sister, Marla; grandson, Coy Jr.; and daughter-in- love, Amber. Thank you to everyone who has shown the family love and support as they process the loss of this beautiful woman of God. Your prayers and kind deeds will be forever appreciated. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral service celebrating Deondra’s life at 10:00 A M on Friday, August 11, 2017at Church of the King, 22205 Little Creek Rd, Mandeville, LA 70471 with visitation at church on Friday morning beginning at 9:00 AM. A wake is scheduled to take place at church on Thursday evening from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Interment in Pinecrest Memorial Gardens will immediately follow the funeral service on Friday. ===================