Mary Lee Tollison Caldwell

Lexington-Mary Lee Caldwell, 83, passed away peacefully at home in her sleep as she was surrounded by her husband, her five children and their spouses, and grandchildren on Wednesday, January 26, 2022.  We watched as she fell asleep in this life, only to awake on that eternal shore, safe in the arms of Jesus. 

Mary Lee was born in Greenville, SC on August 27, 1938.  She was the daughter of the late Roy William Tollison and Ruth Mae Ledford Tollison of Union, South Carolina.  During her life she was employed at Hite’s Restaurant for 14 years and later at Quincy’s Family Steakhouse in Lexington for 19 years.  She was a founding and faithful member of Beacon Baptist Church in Lexington, where she was the church’s pianist for nearly 30 years. 

She is survived by her husband, Thomas Alton Caldwell, who was the founding pastor of Beacon Baptist Church; her 5 children, Tommy (Wendy) Caldwell, Beverly (Charles) Starling, Lewis (Danita) Caldwell, Cindy (Louis) Stankewich, Marianna (Gerry) Boyce, 20 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren. 

She is predeceased by an infant son, Johnathan; her parents; her brother, Charles Tollison; and her sister, Marcelle Douglas.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 28, 2022 at Gantt Street Baptist Church. Pallbearers will be 6 of her grandsons: Wesley Starling, Shelton Starling, Benjamin Caldwell, Chris Caldwell, Michael Caldwell, and Cody Boyce. Burial will follow at Woodridge Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church.  Barr-Price Funeral Home and Crematorium, Lexington Chapel is assisting the family.

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