Anita Byrd (Byrd) Calfee

Anita Byrd Calfee of Hilton Head Island/ Bluffton, SC passed away peacefully surrounded by the love and affection of her family on November 3, 2023 at Coastal Carolina Hospital in Hardeeville, South Carolina. Anita attended East Tennessee State University and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and graduated with a degree in Home Economics. Anita met her husband, James B Calfee Jr of 50 years in Bluefield, West Virginia where they began their family. Anita went on to receive her Masters plus thirty in Special Education where she was highly adored by students and faculty. Anita gave to her family and students whole-heartedly. She always displayed immense concern and affection for those she encountered and her true loving heart shined through. Anita Byrd Calfee was a southern lady through and through and "loved her family with the might of a lioness". Anita had the gift of hospitality and would welcome people into her home with open arms, she was truly a gem and a friend who gave it her all! She was an incredible mother who would do anything to show her love in good times and in bad.  Anita was a member of Sea Island Chapel and sang in the church choir. Anita had a passion for ancestral history and was proudly a part of DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), incredibly devoted to "living creatures' to the point she would take a spider or frog outside to save them. A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 2nd from 2-4 pm at Sea Island Chapel 173 Marshland Rd Hilton Head, SC 29926. Anita is survived by her daughters, Jami Cruikshank  and son-in-law, Jeff Cruikshank, grandchildren, Will Cruikshank (wife, Breanne) and Kelli Cruikshank, from Raleigh, North Carolina. Jodi Calfee and granddaughters, Bayleigh and Livi of Bluffton, SC. Nieces, Lisa Rowe, (husband, Chris Rowe) and Karen Davis, nephews, Kevin David Stewart and Jimmy Stewart. Anita has two brothers Hugh Byrd (wife, Carolyn) and Jim Byrd (wife, Pam), nephews Adam and Andy Byrd of Tennessee. The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to  the staff at Coastal Carolina Hospital for their care and support the last few days of Anita's life. Anita's choice of charity is Hilton Head Humane Society.