Leona Callender

Leona Mae Callender faithfully and lovingly known as “Cookie” was born on May 22, 1948, in Clifton Forge, Virginia, to Nathaniel L. Callender Sr. and Eva B. Callender Hankerson.

Cookie relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio where she attended and graduated from Taft High School. Cookie had a love and passion for sewing and styling hair and her calling was exactly that. She later became a licensed cosmetologist and also conquered a career goal of a professional seamstress.

Cookie was employed for 30+ years at Standard Textile, where she retired in 2020. She enjoyed dancing like her mom, binge watching movies with friends, hosting and attending yard sales, and being the life of the party at family and friend’s gatherings.

Cookie was also known for being long-winded and could literally talk for hours, but you all know that. We miss you Cookie. We love you.

Cookie was preceded in death by her parents Nathaniel L. Callender Sr. and Eva B. Hankerson.

She leaves to cherish her memory: one son, Kenneth D. Callender and one daughter, Shandra Niköle Callender; two grandchildren, Sha’Khil Kelly and Kierra Woods; two great grandchildren, Armani Lowe and Raylani Walker; three brothers, Nathaniel Callender Jr., Reginald Callender Sr., and Theodore Overstreet; two sisters, Terry Overstreet and Carnetta Callender; uncle, Herbert (Mary) Reynolds and aunt, Jeanette Reynolds; niece, Ericka Callender; great niece, Azaria Howlett-Callender; nephew, Reginald Callender Jr.; cousin, raised like a sister, Karen Davenport; and a host of additional relatives and special friends who shared her life.

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