In Loving Memory of Robin McCallister

Robin McCallister, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and respected clinical psychologist, passed away in her home on February 21, 2026. She was surrounded by the love of her life, Terry Leland, and their two daughters, Lauren and Kate Leland.

Born in Miami and raised in Tallahassee, Florida, Robin was the daughter of the late Betty Lou Jernigan McCallister and Dr. Louis Ray McCallister. A proud graduate of Leon High School, Robin’s passion for helping others led her on an impressive academic journey. She earned her undergraduate degree from Furman University, followed by a Master’s from Wake Forest University, and ultimately a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Auburn University.

It was at Auburn where Robin met Terry while they were both pursuing their doctorates. That meeting sparked a partnership of the heart and mind that spanned over 45 beautiful years. They traveled together extensively, visiting their daughters and grandchildren in New York and California as often as possible, and at home in Tallahassee, their generosity and hospitality to their many friends and family made their house a place of peace, warmth, and a lot of laughter.

Robin was deeply rooted in the Tallahassee community, yet she often called St. Teresa Beach her “happy place.” As a child and teenager, she enjoyed water skiing on the glassy morning waters, and as an adult, she taught her daughters and their friends–and later her grandchildren–to look for little pieces of coral in the sand and shuffle their feet to avoid sting rays. She was someone who could point out beauty in all places, always inspiring those around her to stop and be present. She cherished every moment spent at her family’s beach cottage at St. Teresa, enjoyed many lively dinners at Angelo’s, and created a lifetime of memories by the water.

She was a constant fixture in her daughters' lives, supporting their many pursuits—including the Young Actors Theatre—and was a steadfast advocate for numerous social and humanitarian causes. It was in her deepest nature to help others–her career as a clinical psychologist reveals that–but her family and friends also knew to go to her for a good book recommendation, for help deciding which college or university is best, or for guidance in determining any shifts in career or relationships. She had a profoundly unique ability to make all around her feel seen and understood, and her compassion and wisdom touched all who were lucky to know her. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, reflected in her long-standing devotion to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.

During her courageous nine-year battle with bile duct cancer, Robin transformed her personal struggle into a mission of hope. She became a passionate patient mentor and research advocate for the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, guiding others through their darkest days.

Her family remains profoundly grateful for the support of the Foundation, as well as the exceptional medical care she received from the teams at Jacksonville Mayo Clinic, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Big Bend Hospice.

Robin’s greatest joy was found in her deep, enduring relationships with her family and friends from every chapter of her life. She is survived by her husband, Terry; daughters, Lauren and Kate; and beloved grandsons, Noah and Arlo Pawell. She is also survived by her brothers, Gary, Greg, and Ray McCallister; niece, Allison McCallister Linman; nephew, Patrick McCallister; and half-siblings Karen & Todd Clenney and David Massie. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A service to celebrate Robin’s remarkable life will be held at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Tallahassee on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 2:00 PM with a reception to follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to any of the following organizations that were close to Robin's heart:

• St. Paul's United Methodist Church

• Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation

• Mayo Clinic

• MD Anderson Cancer Center

• Big Bend Hospice

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