Wilma Jean Shelton Callihan, age 89, of Blue Ridge, passed away on Friday, December 27, 2024, at home surrounded by her beloved family. She was born on July 3, 1935, in Beard Fork, WV, to the late William Elbert Shelton and Cecil Rebecca Powell Shelton. She grew up in the small town of Richwood, WV, and was baptized at the age of twelve at the New Prospect Baptist Church in the waters of the Cherry River. She married James, and together, they made their way home to his family and built a home together after living up North for several years. She was a virtuous and loving mother known for her unwavering faith and ability to make everyone feel at home. Her faith was steadfast. She was the rock and foundation of her family after her loving husband, James, passed away. Throughout the years, she attended many churches in the area with her children. Jean religiously read her bible in the mornings while meditating on the word and still ministered to everyone even after becoming homebound. She was very proud of her West Virginia heritage; however, she truly loved her Callihan family and the Callihan "Promised Land" she lived on and raised her family. Along with studying her bible, Jean enjoyed quilting, cooking, and playing games with friends and family. Her pastime was swinging in her swing as she watched the birds fly to and from the bird feeder. The love and support of her family was a constant source of comfort and joy for her.

Preceding her in death are her parents, husband, James Sidney Callihan; and siblings, Minnie Adith Shelton, Orba S. Shelton Massey, Glenna M. Shelton Browning, Alex P. "Bill" Shelton, Ray M. Shelton, Robert "Bob" Shelton, and Sewart "Keith" Shelton.

She is survived by her children Patricia Montgomery ( Brent), James David Callihan (Robin), Donna Reece ( Buck), Ricky Keith Callihan (Tonya), Robert Douglas "Bobby" Callihan, and Timothy Callihan (Allyson), grandchildren, Shane Brent Montgomery, Jeremy David Callihan (fiancée-Amber Satterfield), Jacob Sidney Callihan (Samantha Tarver Callihan), Chad Reece (Amanda), Christy Woody (Jason), Aaron Reece (Morgan), Nathan Callihan (Katy), Lauren Callihan Lai (Maj. Andy Lai), Blake Callihan, Patrick Callihan, Cody Callihan, and Matthew Callihan; great-grandchildren, Malachy Callihan (fiancée-Kiersten Twiggs), Ethan David Callihan, Carson Callihan, C.J. Reece, Cayden Reece, Trinity Callihan, Grayson Woody, Carlee Reece, Ryleigh Jo Callihan, Wells Archer Callihan, Georgia Reece, Mary Jean Fox Callihan, Tanner Callihan, Cam Reece, Haven Callihan, Hayden Cooper, and Clara Reece; great-great-grandchild, Kyler Brooks Callihan; sister-in-law, Beverly Shelton; many nieces, nephews and many other family members. The family wishes to express their deep gratitude for their love and support during this difficult time, and a special thank you to Pruitt-Health Hospice for its excellent support team.

Funeral services were conducted on Monday, December 30, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. from the Akins-Cobb Blue Ridge Chapel with Rev. Glenn Cummings officiating. Music was provided by Nancy Watkins, Joel Collis and Samantha Callihan. Interment followed in the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church Cemetery with the following grandchildren serving as pallbearers: Shane Montgomery, Jeremy Callihan, Jacob Callihan, Chad Reece, Aaron Reece, Nathan Callihan, Patrick Callihan, Cody Callihan, Matthew Callihan, and Blake Callihan. The family visited with friends at the funeral home on Monday prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinscobb.com.

Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Blue Ridge is in charge of the arrangements.