Evelyn Louise Callis

Evelyn L. Callis, age 77 of the City of Aiken, South Carolina died peacefully December 27, 2020 at Aiken Regional Medical Center of natural causes after a lengthy illness.

Evelyn was born to Wilmer Raymond Callis and Rose Bufano Callis in Baltimore, Maryland, December 1943.

Evie leaves behind her four adult children John J. Panzer III (Michelle), Annette L. Johnson (Mike), Dawn M. Leahy (Tim), and Mark A. Panzer. Her grandchildren include Joseph and Sophia Panzer, Sydney Carey (Christian), Michael and Brendan Leahy, Kairi Panzer, and great-grandson Jackson Carey. She was predeceased by grandson Logan Panzer. She is also survived Annette Johnson’s stepchildren Kelly, Michael, and Laura, and her sister, Patricia Schafer (Charles), nieces, nephews as well as her beloved cousins, many of whom were raised in the same household and whom she loved as sisters.

Evie attended University of Baltimore, graduating with a B.S. in Business Administration, Accounting. She married young, had her children, and in her early 30’s, when it was uncommon for women to ‘go back to school,’ she did. Determined and tenacious, she actively ran a business and household, graduating with honors. Later, she began her career in accounting/auditing at Westinghouse in Baltimore, which included travel around the U.S. Her work led her to Aiken where she eventually retired from the Savannah River Site.

Evie loved her family deeply and her greatest pleasure was spending time together. Her friends and family loved her infectious laugh and smile. She was present for them and her heart and door were always open. Her childhood shaped her loving, kind spirit. She was influenced by her extended family after her mother’s passing when she was only age two. As a young teenager, she lived with her sister Patricia and her family which created a special and loving bond with her nieces and nephews.

Throughout her life, Evie was an artist, her chosen medium most often needle and thread. As a young mother she was a talented seamstress and made all her children’s clothes when they were younger, later becoming masterful at needlework. She was also a voracious reader, loved her pets, card games, and movies were a favorite too. Her happy place was at the beach. As a wonderful cook and baker, if you wanted a delicious Italian meal, roast chicken or homemade cakes or pies, Evie had it covered. For anyone who was lucky enough to witness it, they will not soon forget the loads of Christmas cookies she used to bake with her kids and the annual cookouts on Pleasant Hills Circle in Maryland. One dream she was able to fulfill was traveling and exploring Europe and beyond. Evie taught her children well in life and loved them all mightily.

Celebration of Life Friday, January 8, 2021, 11 a.m., Cedar Creek Church, 3001 Banks Mill Road SE, Aiken, SC 29803. Donations may be made to the American Red Cross in her honor.

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC