Jada Callender

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints" Psalm 116:15
Jada Celeste Callender, beloved daughter, photographer, and friend, was born in Clifton Forge, Virginia on September 17, 1971. She was peacefully called to glory on Sunday, December 15, 2024 at her residence. Jada was the daughter of Ione Callender. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, J. Floyd and Louise C. Sorrell.
She attended Alleghany County Public Schools and graduated in 1990. Later, she attended Radford University where she majored in Psychology and graduated in 1994.
Jada worked for Alleghany Highlands Community Services (CSB) for 22 years. She began working as a part-time mentor with the (CSB) in 2002, and then became a full-time child case manager in 2003. She continued working with the CSB and briefly was a respite supervisor in 2005. She last served as the Child and Adolescent Case Manager Supervisor upon her death. She brought such kindness, dedication, professionalism, and grace to those she served and worked with each day. Jada was the most recent recipient of the CSB’s CARE Spirit award which annually honors an employee for making a significant contribution to the benefit of the CSB, individuals they serve and the community. Her presence will be deeply missed by all those who interacted with her daily.
Jada was also the owner and operator of Callender Photography. At the age of 5, she picked up her first camera, and it was a Bugs Bunny camera. Photography became her constant companion, and she also took art classes from kindergarten until her second year in college. Jada enjoyed taking pictures of everything, which showed in her business. Her works of art are sprinkled throughout the Alleghany Highlands. A mix of fine art, creative/composite images, portraits, and events were evident in her work. Her goal was to capture images better than the ones she captured in previous sessions. She was also known to be a foodie; cooking unique delicious dishes for work and friends. Jada was a proud Virginian and lover of nature, and she loved mystery novels and people who made her laugh.
Jada was well-known in the community working with organizations such as the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, Clifton Forge School of Arts, Alleghany Highlands Arts Council, Clifton Forge Community Gathering and Juneteenth Committees.
Jada was well-liked, enjoyed life, and had numerous friends and colleagues. She loved helping people and was known for her kind generous spirit and infectious smile.
In addition to her mother, she leaves to rejoice in her memory a host of cousins, other relatives, family and friends.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. at the First Baptist Church located at 918 Church Street in Clifton Forge. The family will receive friends on Friday from 12:30 P.M. until time of service at the church.
Nicely Funeral Home in Clifton Forge is in charge of the arrangements. The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to Alleghany Highlands Community Services at 205 E. Hawthorne Street Covington, Virginia for a scholarship fund in Jada’s memory.
"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" Psalm 34:18

To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com