MARY McCULLOUGH

Mary Jean McCullough, 76, died peacefully at her home on Monday, August 19, 2013 after a courageous and hard fought battle with Parkinson’s disease.  She was a beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother and friend and was surrounded by her family when she was united with her Lord and Savior.

Mary Jean McCullough was born on July 29, 1937 in Talbotton, GA and grew up in Greensboro, FL.    She graduated as valedictorian of Greensboro High School in 1955.  She married Howard Eugene McCullough on June 27, 1957 and shortly after their wedding, accompanied him to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Forth Worth, TX.  This would begin her diligently serving by his side in ministry for more than 50 years.  Their ministry together included service at Beatty Baptist Church in Pauls Valley, OK, First Baptist Church of Orange Park, FL and First Baptist Church of Folkston, GA where they served faithfully for more than 30 years until his retirement in 1998.  Her service at First Baptist Church of Folkston included singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school and directing the “Little Friends” kindergarten.    She later taught music at Folkston Elementary School and worked at the Charlton County Board of Education for 26 years until her retirement in 2004.  Mary Jean adored her family and was happiest when surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She greatly enjoyed entertaining others in her home and particularly enjoyed cooking wonderful meals for them.  Mary Jean cherished her role as a pastor’s wife and took great pleasure in serving others.  She loved music and enjoyed using the talent God gave her to share His love with others.  Mary Jean was deeply loved by her church and community for all of her selfless acts of giving and for the humility with which she served others.  She always remembered birthdays and anniversaries and was ready to offer encouragement and prepare meals for others in a time of need.

Mary Jean is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, Rev. Howard Eugene McCullough; her three children, Howard Eugene McCullough, Jr. and his wife Cindy of Folkston, John Alan McCullough and his wife Dawn of Woodbine, GA, Joy McCullough Boyce and her husband Bedford of Charlotte, NC; 7 grandchildren, Adam McCullough and his wife Ashley of  Fleming, GA , SSgt Matthew McCullough and his wife SSgt Michaela of Yakota AFB, Japan, Dylan Brown, Caleigh McCullough, Caroline Boyce, Ella Boyce and Olivia Boyce; 3 great grandchildren, Jackson McCullough, Ezekiel McCullough and Gabriel McCullough; brother Jerry Butler and his wife Patricia of Bristol, FL; sister Linda Collins of Waycross, GA and a number of nieces and nephews.  Visitation will be held at Shepard Funeral Home,526 Oakwood Street, Folkston, GA from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday, August, 23.  The funeral will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 24 at First Baptist Church of Folkston with Rev. Randy Jacoby, Rev. Jack McCullough and Rev. Mark McCullough officiating and burial will follow at Pineview Cemetery.  Flowers may be sent to Shepard Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to The McCullough Mission Fund at First Baptist Church of Folkston.  Shepard Funeral Home is assisting the McCullough family.