Callie Lawrence-Sessions

Callie Mae Lawrence-Sessions, beloved mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, niece, cousin, and friend was born on July 12, 1955 in Kankakee, IL to Rosie Lee and James Lawrence. She was the baby girl of the family. Callie attended West Acres Grade School and Elmwood Elementary School in Chebanse, Illinois and graduated from Central High School in Clifton, Illinois in 1974. She later attended Prairie State College in Chicago Heights, Illinois and received a certificate in child development. On March 18, 1984, Callie joined Greater New Hope Baptist Church under the new pastorate of Rev. Howard L. Wills, Sr., and was baptized on April 1, 1984. Callie’s various jobs included working at the St. Martin Deporres Childcare Center in Kankakee, the Fesco Div Kankakee Plant for 2 years, Gould Battery for 24 years, and CSL Behring for 18 years, where she worked until her death. She loved shopping. Her favorite time of the year to shop would be "Black Friday" at Walmart and Menards. She would love to text and say, “I’m here!” Her other favorite stores were Marshalls and Ross where she shopped on a daily basis. Callie also enjoyed cooking, traveling, and talking to people. She had an engaging personality, and she never met a stranger. When it came to cooking, Callie was the Queen! She cooked for the family and friends for every holiday or special occasion. She will be most remembered for making the best green beans and sweet potato pies you ever tasted. Callie leaves to cherish her memory and celebrate her life: one son, Anthony (Gail) Lawrence of Kankakee, IL; two daughters: Samantha (Steven) Barbieri of Kankakee, IL, and Shaquita Sessions of Lewisville, TX; her former husband, Maurice Sessions of Atlanta, GA; six sisters: Catherine (John) Thompson; Martha (Clint) Lawrence; Mary Lawrence and Lula B. Hinds, all of Kankakee, IL; Lena Hinds of Chebanse, IL; and Sarah Ann Minor of Hampton, VA; nine brothers: Willie (Maxine) Lawrence; Robert (Jeannie) Lawrence; Kevin (Diane) Lawrence; Timmy Lawrence and David Lawrence, all of Chebanse, IL; Jerry (Yolanda) Lawrence and Jessie (Adrienne) Hinds, both of Bradley, IL; Bobby Hinds of Minnesota; and Kenneth (Naomi) Jones of Atlanta, GA; three aunts: Carrie Baptist and Eliza Hines, both of Kankakee, IL and Annie Kyles of Starkville, MS; 7 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, her goddaughters: Yolanda Parker, Katina Hankins, Andrea Shoupe Schoonover; her godson, Jose Gonzalez; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; special cousins: Ruby Sessions and Willa Mae Fields; and special friends of many years: Clara Hennessey, Renda Bradley, and Tasha Lewis. Callie traded her earthly vessel for a heavenly body on Thursday, June 5, 2025. Those once awaiting her arrival, but who have now welcomed her home to Heaven, are her parents, grandparents, 3 brothers, 2 sisters, and other aunts and uncles.

Tributes

Callie Lawrence-Sessions

July 12, 1955 - June 5, 2025