Mrs. Kallie Dee Haley

Mrs. Kallie (Hughes)Haley, affectionately known as “Mama Haley” by her many “adopted” children, departed this life on Saturday, January 2, 2010, at Bronson Hospital, with family by her side. She was born March 7, 1923 in Okolona, Mississippi to the late Willie Lee and Clopton Hughes. Kallie professed her love for Christ early in life at Mt. Mariah Baptist Church in Mississippi. She moved to Kalamazoo with her family at an early age and became a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church where she served faithfully in the Women’s Missionary Ministry and the Jail Ministry. She was united in marriage to the late Robert L. Haley, Sr. on June 5, 1942; to this union seven children were born. Kallie retired from the Gilmore Department Store in 1984 (she was a cook in the Ice Cream Parlor). Kallie was preceded in death by her four siblings Earlene Nowling, Samuel Hughes, Annie Kate Hughes, and Newessie Gardner. Kallie’s spirit lives on in her seven children, Barbara Haley, Patricia Brown (James Cook), Mary Kaye (Carl) Roberts, Lonnie (Kathryn) Haley, Robert Jr. (Faye) Haley, Larry Wendell (Patricia) Haley, Annette (David) Buchanan, 14 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandson, plus numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Also surviving are special friends Mrs. Francis Scott, Mrs. Minnie Thrash, and Mrs. Sadie Manuel. Kallie dropped out of school after the ninth grade to help at home; this had such an impact that she was determined none of her children would leave school before completing at least high school. She was successful in this endeavor and every child completed high school, some went on to finish college and/or technical school. She taught her children pride, independence and self-sufficiency. She often said to the children, “times may get hard, but nobody can ever take your education; you will have what you need to make a way.” Kallie loved everyone. She was a role model of generosity, hard work and determination. She opened her home and heart to anyone who would come. Kallie spent many hours gardening and cooking; she grew the most plentiful crop of collard greens and the biggest peonies in the neighborhood. Her greatest joy was the gathering of friends and family at the Haley Family “Soul Food Sunday.” Her grandchildren say their best New Year’s Eve Celebrations were spent making popcorn, eating Malnight’s cookies and watching Dick Clark’s “Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Party” with Granny and Gramps. One of her favorite pastimes was shopping with her daughters and good friend (the late) Boydie Ollie. She loved hats and owned dozens in different styles. She frequently participated in the Ecumenical Senior Center’s annual fashion show fundraiser “Golden and Glamorous.” Her love of fashion was passed on to her granddaughters.

Mrs. Kallie Dee Haley

March 7, 1923 - January 2, 2010