Elizabeth Anne Kramer McCallum, 95, passed away in her sleep February
26, 2019 in Rock Hill, SC. She was born an only child to the late
Herman Germain Kramer and Florence Shillington Kramer on December 11,
1923 in Washington, DC.
She was a fourth generation
Washingtonian who attended Woodrow Wilson High School before serving in
the Nurses Aide Corps of the American Red Cross during World War II. She
graduated from the Episcopal Hospital School of Nursing and the
National Institute of Practical Nursing in Washington, DC.
“Beth”
or “Liz” as she was affectionately know by family and friends was very
patriotic and proud of her service as a USO hostess during the war. She
considered it her civic duty to be among this elite group of women who
were trained to provide a wholesome morale boost to soldiers visiting
the USO centers around the nation’s capital.
She married the
late Daniel W. McCallum Jr. in 1947, was a loving mother to four
children, and was employed by Stanley Warner Theaters in Washington for
many years. Liz moved to York County, SC in 1992 to live closer to her
daughter, Maura M. Couch, and family.
One of her greatest joys
was caring for God’s creatures. Her love of animals was apparent by her
dedication to animal rescue and adoption, and by her enthusiastic
support of wildlife conservation efforts.
An avid naturalist,
Liz preferred working in the outdoors. Days spent fishing or navigating
her commercial blue crabbing boat on the Chesapeake Bay were some of
her dearest. She was also passionate about raising show quality
chickens, exotic tropical fish and unusual reptiles and amphibians. A
visit to her home was always an adventure in science for neighborhood
children!
Most of all, Liz adored her family and friends. Her
beautiful smile, listening ear and generous disposition made those
around her feel loved.
Liz is survived by her daughter Maura,
of the home; her daughter Sharon E. McCallum of Baltimore, Md; her son
Dr. Daniel M. McCallum of Natchez, Ms.; and six grandchildren. She is
predeceased by her daughter Kathleen A. Swann.
Cremation has been handled by Bratton Funeral Home. A memory service will be held later at Piney Point, Md. where Liz spent some of her happiest days. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Wildlife Conservation Network (wildnet.org).