Lena Evelynmccallie Toombs

Lena Evelyn McCallieToombs (Nana)

Lena Evelyn McCallie Toombs, 94, went home to her Lord, Thursday, February 8, 2007 at the Merriman, her home since April, 2006. She was born to the late Archie A. And Nell Arnett McCallie on November 19, 1912 in Birmingham, Alabama. She relocated to Akron, with her family, in 1918. She was a January, 1932 graduate of Akron Central High School, and was a proud Wildcat until the end. During World War II, she traveled the country working for the government inspecting prospective equipment for the Armed Services. She always told her family wonderful stories of traveling on the train. In 1946, she married Ivan Toombs. Theirs was a long and happy marriage until Ivan's death in 1985. Their only child, Delores, was born in 1949. She was a devoted, wonderful mother whose greatest gift was teaching the value of unconditional love. Lena's family was everything to her. She was a prolific poet and leaves many volumes of poetry for her family to cherish. Never an ordinary house wife, she hated cooking but loved to paint, move furniture, and wire lamps, switches, etc. She was a pioneer roller coaster aficionado. Everyone who knew her knew she loved Coca cola, chocolate, and chicken. An unproven theory is that is the secret to her long life. At her 94th birthday, her great-grandson, Maxwell, had the cake decorated with "Nana, the Chocolate Queen." In time three grandsons came and she was Nana ever since. The boys were the loves of her life. There was always fun to be had at Nana's and big adventures. Her grandsons remember her as being loving, supportive, and open-minded about all issues in life. She was a powerful example. She loved her great-grandchildren just as much, and was thrilled when they arrived and Nana's house was filled once again with toys. Her grandsons loved that she was "hip to the end." She loved rock and Latin music, anything with a beat. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister Grace, brothers Max, Jack, and Roy, her beloved son-in-law , Thomas Pepper, and her lifelong friend, Elda Hughes. She is survived by her daughter, Delores (Dee) of Akron, beloved grandsons Blaine C. Brinton II of Cleveland, William M. Alford of Akron, Andrew J. Alford (Jeff) of San Francisco, great-grandchildren, Maxwell C. and Eliza J. Brinton, of Middleburgh Heights, sister-in-law, Alberta McCallie of Mansfield, four nieces, one nephew, lifelong friend, Walter Hughes, "just like daughters", Linda Hughes Hanks and Judith Hughes Dean, and devoted friends, Skip, Barbara, and Steven Mousetes. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at The Merriman for their love, devotion, and care. Yours was a priceless gift. Calling hours will be Friday, 4-8 p.m. at NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, 131 N. Canton Rd. Funeral service Saturday, 2 p.m. at the funeral home, Pastor Stacy Jenkins officiating. Interment at Hillside Memorial Park. Online condolences may be made at www.Newcomerfamily.com.



NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, 330-784-3334.