Mary Jo Ann Callen, 73, of Dallas, GA, passed away in her sleep on October 2, 2024.

Born on January 24, 1951, at Fitzsimmons Military Hospital in Denver, CO, Mary was raised in a military family, with her father serving in the Air Force. The family moved frequently, living in England before settling at Loring Air Force Base in Maine and then Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, GA, in 1961.

She attended Sacred Heart School and graduated from Mount de Sales High School in Macon, GA. Following her high school education, Mary pursued her passion for writing and storytelling at the University of Montana, where she earned a BA in History and Journalism.

Mary began her professional career as a reporter for the Daily Sun in Warner Robins before moving to Atlanta, where she worked as an investigative reporter for the Marietta Journal. Her talent soon shifted her path toward news production, culminating in a 15-year tenure at WSB-TV, Atlanta's ABC affiliate. As Executive Producer for local programming, including the acclaimed "Close Ups with Monica Kaufman," she garnered multiple Emmy awards for her outstanding work. Following her time at WSB, Mary contributed her skills as a producer at CNN on the International desk from 2003 to 2006.

Following her years at CNN Mary excitedly joined the staff at Emory University where she produced videos across many divisions including her favorite, Emory School of Theology. After her time at Emory, Mary started her own production company, Inishowen Media, where she worked until her passing.

Mary was a devoted daughter, sister and friend. She was an avid reader and loved history. For a few years, she combined her love of travel with history and spent several months living abroad in Ireland and traveling extensively in Italy. When back in the US she spent a summer following both the Oregon Trail and the Lewis and Clark trail. She was a natural teacher and shared her love of history, her generous spirit and adventurous nature with anyone who knew her.

Coming from a large Irish Catholic family, Mary continuously demonstrated her love for family - instilling in us a deep appreciation for the blessing of a wonderful family and ensuring we all understood how fortunate we truly were. This was true for not just our immediate family, but our extended family as well. She thoroughly enjoyed visiting our cousins and other family members in Montana, Idaho and Washington State.

She nurtured her friendships the same way. Mary was fortunate to share 60 plus years with a few close friends from High School and others who were so much a part of our family. Her legacy of unwavering devotion, love and friendship will continue to resonate with all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Mary is survived by her sisters, Kathleen Callen O'Neill, Eleanor 'Tish' Callen Gaskins, Frankie Callen Elliott, and brother John Thomas Callen. Mary was lovingly known as Aunt Mimi to numerous nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, Aranda R. 'Ace' and Eileen H. Callen, of Warner Robins, GA, Brothers Norman Joseph Callen, of Augusta, GA, Aranda R. 'Randy' Callen, Jr. of Lebanon, Ill, and sister Patrician 'Patty' Callen Dankworth, of Trinity, Fl.

The family will receive friends at the Chapel of Bellamy Funeral Home on Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm. The funeral home is located at 3551 Jimmy Lee Smith Pkwy, Hiram, GA 30141

Memorial Services will begin in the Chapel at 2:00 pm with close friend Charles McIntyre officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the National Parks Service, a local Animal Shelter or the ASPCA.

Bellamy Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ms. Mary Jo Ann Callen of Dallas, GA.