Georgia Ruth Swann Callicutt, 84, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2023, at Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo. Funeral services honoring the life of Ruth will be Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 1PM in the Memory Chapel of New Albany Funeral and Cremation Care with Bro. Marty Merritt officiating. Visitation will be from 11AM until time of service. Burial will follow in Glenfield Memorial cemetery.
Born May 22, 1938, she was the last living child of the late Clark and Lillie Elder Swann. She was a graduate of Center High School where she excelled at playing basketball. On July 25, 1956, Ruth married Leonard "Sonny" Callicutt, the man she would spend 65 years with until his death in 2021.
A devout Christian and member of Myrtle Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School, Ruth was the owner of Merle Norman in New Albany for over 20 years and was co-owner of TV98 with Charlie Kyles until her retirement. She had a very giving heart and shared her love with every organization that sent her mail and even those that didn't. Ruthie was waiting for the day that Ed McMann knocked on her door holding the big check and balloons from Publishers Clearing House. Her favorite past times included singing, reading her bible daily, Fox News, and could talk basketball to all that would listen.
Everyone was drawn to Ruth’s smile and her love. She was a mother figure and mentor to so many through the years. Everyone that knew her is a better version of themselves for having known her. She was always the kindest person in the room and emitted a southern grace and charm rarely seen today. She showed that the path to inner peace and inspiration is selflessness and unconditional love.
Those left to cherish her memories include her daughter/niece, Diann Swann, three nieces, Debbie Halfacre, Kada Stephenson, and Brittney Nelson, five nephews, Mark and Stephen Utley, Robbie, Tim and John Swann, a host of great nieces and nephews and her special Feline, "Prissy". Along with her parents and husband, she is preceeded by one sister, Vermelle Utley, three brothers, Margel, Mitchel and Charles Swann.
New Albany Funeral and Cremation Care invites you to share memories with the Callicutt family.
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