William C. Mrs. Calhoun

Mrs. William C. Calhoun, much better known to her many friends as “Bootsie,” died peacefully at home after a long illness, on Friday morning, Feb. 21, 2014.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, February 24, 2014 at the Church of the Good Shepherd with Rev. Robert D. Fain officiating.

“Bootsie,” a dedicated and lifelong Republican, who was beloved by conservatives and liberals alike, was a wonderful mother, a terrific mother-in-law, and a fabulous grandmother.

She was a native of Atlanta and a graduate of the University of Georgia. It was in Athens that she met a young law student, Billy Calhoun, to whom she was married in 1944. The couple subsequently moved to Augusta, where Billy started his law practice and where they raised their three daughters.

Bootsie quickly became involved in her new community; when her children were young she served as PTA President at William Robinson Elementary School and as a member of the Richmond Co. Board of Education. She was a Past President of the Jr. League of Augusta, of the Gateway Garden Club, and of the Episcopal Church Women at Good Shepherd Church.

She subsequently served as President of the Board of Directors of the Girl Scouts Council of Eastern Georgia, as Co Chair of the Richmond County Easter Seal Drive, and as District Captain of the cancer drive.

Being married to a U.S Attorney and City Councilman, she nurtured her interest in politics and was the first lady to become Chair of the Richmond County Republican Party; her considerable talents were quickly recognized and she soon became Chair of the Georgia Federation of Republican Women. She was eventually persuaded to run for the State House of Representatives, winning the seat by an “overwhelming” margin of 23 votes and earning the cherished nickname of “Landslide Bootsie.”

After retiring from politics she devoted much of her time to her six grandchildren – sliding on mattresses down her staircase on Kings Way, directing scavenger hunts, riding go-karts, and rafting down white water rivers.

She also became an avid bridge player, spending memorable times with her bridge buddies and often winning as much as 85 cents in just one afternoon.

Bootsie also enjoyed playing golf at Augusta Country Club, occasionally winning the annual Masters Calcutta, traveling to Europe with her friends, and spending memorable summers in Highlands, N.C., and wonderful weekends in Estill, SC.

She was predeceased by Billy, her husband of 56 years, and by her sister, Lawson Duncan. She is survived by her three daughters, Elizabeth Chalker and Cathy Pursley, Augusta, GA, and Lawson (Frank) Kelly, Macon GA; by her six devoted grandchildren: Will (Hayley) Kelly, Carter (Bill) Monroe, Cal Chalker, Catie (Will) Boyd, Leigh Pursley and Carson Pursley; and by her four great grandchildren. She is also survived by her loving brother, Ed Carter of Atlanta.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Marie Lamkin, Ida Warthen, Wilhelmina Bryant, Kwajalein Drayton, June Jones, Vinell Moss, and Alliance Hospice for their loving care, dedicated competence, and sincere devotion to Bootsie.

Memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 2230 Walton Way, Augusta, GA, 30904, American Cancer Society, 2607 Commons Boulevard, Augusta, GA, 30909 the Alzheimer’s Association of Georgia, 41 Perimeter Center East, Suite 550, Atlanta, GA, 30346, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Bootsie was truly loved by all and will be greatly missed. And as she would often say to her many friends: “You too can be the life of the party!”

The family will greet friends at a luncheon in the Parish Hall following the services.