Obituary: Ione P. Callender

Ione P. Callender

Ione P. Callender, a beloved daughter, sister, mother, aunt, cousin, and friend, passed away on November 26, 2025 in Durham North Carolina at the Calyx Living Care and Memory Center.  A native of Clifton Forge, Virginia, she has been returned home to the mountains she grew up loving so much!

Born in Clifton Forge, Ione was the daughter of the late Joshua L. Callender, Louise C. Sorrell and James F. Sorrell. She grew up in a close-knit, church driven home. Ione was known for her strength, her devotion to her loved ones and her enduring spirit. More known for her honesty, loving sense of humor, amazing ability working with math, and most important of all, being a loyal Dallas Cowboys Football fan!

Ione, from a young age, stood out because of her distinctive traits of kindness, joy, sharp wit, and determination. This determination guided her through the years as a student attending Jefferson High School, Clifton Forge High School, NCCU, Virginia Community College. The dedication, honesty, and hard work lead her to the path of banking. The banking path has garnished Ione with multiple awards and accolades. Up until retirement, Ione was the Manager at the First Citizens Bank of Clifton Forge, VA.

Besides being a avid Dallas Cowboys fan, Ione had a strong passion for grilling outdoors. No matter the weather or time of day, she could always find the time to get her meat of choice and go hang outside at her Dallas Cowboys Grilling station! She had the gloves, attire, chef’s hat and all the works.

Ione was known also for her uncompromising commitment to the people she loved the most.  Always showing up with a smile, Bubba (coffee mug), a helping hand, and always having a joke ready to ease the moment.  She deeply valued family, cherished lifelong friendships, and lived each day with sincerity and gratitude!

Ione had a craft and skill that brought her peace of mind. That craft was wood carving and engraving.  She enjoyed that hobby the most because she had the ability to share her projects as gifts throughout the years with her family and friends! Every project was made from love and was a reflection of the person receiving it.

Ione’s passing comes just less than a year after the heartbreaking loss of her beloved daughter, Jada C. Callender, who passed away in December 2024.  The bond between Mother and Daughter was so profound, and those who knew them find comfort in belief that they are now reunited!

Ione is proceeded in death by her siblings, Roland Callender, Ronald Callender, Yvonne C. DuBose, Stanley L. Callender, Sr., and Sandra Callender. Also proceeding Ione in death are her daughter, Jada C. Callender and nephew DeAnte J. McQuaig.

Ione is survived by her loving nieces and nephews including: Shanti Callender (Curtis), Lacy L. DuBose III (Brenda), Yisteen DuBose, Stanley L. Callender, Jr. (June), Carlos Callender, Candese Callender, Chaquetta Callender. Great-nieces Saniya Callender, Sydney DuBose, Kayden DuBose, Maya DuBose, Skylar Callender. Great -nephews Bryson D. Beatty, Myles Callender, Princeton Callender, Carlos Jr. (CJ).  Great-great niece Maliya M. McQuaig. Extended cousins Natalie Murphy (Davis), Frederick C. Fountain Jr. (Anita), Charles E. Oliver Jr. (Terease), special sister-in-law Ethel Callender, and bonus daughter Stephanie Hepler (Jason).

Arrangements were handled by Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge

To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com