GULF SHORES, Ala. — Community cornerstone Margaret “Midge” Callaway died Nov. 20, 2008 in Gulf Shores.

Callaway, who befriended everyone she knew, was honored this weekend by 400 people who gathered at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church.

Callaway, who helped found Holy Spirit, has been a strong presence on the Island for more than seven decades.

“She was such a special person to so many people,” daughter Joy Callaway Buskens Robinson said. “I was just so honored to be her daughter.”

Callaway moved to Gulf Shores in 1937 after marrying the love of her life, her late husband Laurence “Bunny” Callaway.

She spent her life working alongside Laurence Callaway — shrimping and fishing to support the family.

Managing Callaway Cottages and Callaway’s Grocery Store, she always put in a hard day’s work.

The Gulf Shores Museum would not be here without her, as she donated items and worked to bring the idea to reality.

An avid writer, Midge Callaway spent years writing the “Lagoon News” for the Foley Onlooker, recording area history and penning letters to family and friends.

In her later years, she earned the title “Flower Lady” as she would always greet her acquaintances with a smile and a flower.

“Everyone thought they were her best friend,” daughter Lillian Bemis said. “Because of the way she treated people, everyone thought they were her favorite.”

Bemis said her mother lived a Christian life.

“She would bring people home. Rich or poor, you were always welcome in her home,” Robinson said.

That warmth drew a plethora of people who will miss Midge Callaway.

“Mom always said that a person shouldn’t need anyone to say a lot at their funeral,” Bemis recalled. “Because their life should speak for itself.”

Midge Callway is survived by three daughters Lillian Bemis, Joy Callaway Buskens Robinson and Mary Beth Hayes; nine grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.