Sarah Jane McCullough's Obituary
Sarah Sutton McCullough was born in Braxton, MS located in Rankin County on August 1, 1937, to the late William Sutton and Mary Elizabeth "Lizzie" Jones. To their union two children were born, Sarah and the late Luther "Joe" Sutton who proceeded her in death. She was baptized at an early age at the Taylor Hill Baptist Church. In 1966, she joined New Hope Baptist Church located on Whitfield Mills Road now Martin Luther King Drive in Jackson, MS until she joined Morning Star Baptist Church October 16, 2005, under the leadership of Pastor John R. Johnson. She was an active member of many ministries to include, Sunday school, the Missionary Society, the Adult Choir, Senior Ministry, Coordinator of the Adopt -a-School ministry and the Noon Day Bible class.
Sarah met the love of her life and was united in holy matrimony to Clarence Cornelius "Bear" McCullough February 7, 1965. They enjoyed fifty-one happy years together until his unfortunate death February 18, 2016. Sarah and Clarence enjoyed life to the fullest. She thoroughly enjoyed cooking and baking; more so, for others. She found true joy and pleasure in watching others fellowship over her Sunday dinners or family special gatherings. When time permitted, she also worked tirelessly in her yard and at the earlier part of her life, working in their garden. In her later years, she spent endless times talking on the telephone and taking her nap with her head on the kitchen table. While she stayed constantly busy, she always found it hard to say NO to the needs of others.
Sarah began her early childhood education at Piney Wood Country Life School, Piney Woods, MS. She was a 1956 graduate of Harper High School, Mendenhall, MS and a 1960 graduate of then Jackson State College receiving her Bachelors of Science Degree. Later she received her master's degree in education in 1973 and her Specialist Degree in Education in 1984. She received her 50th Golden Anniversary Diploma from Jackson State University May 7, 2010.
Sarah began her teaching career in Taylorsville, later in Magee, and then to Mendenhall, MS. She furthered her career to the Jackson Public School District from 1965 to 1991. Her commitment to education earned her numerous awards and recognitions. One of her most proud moments in life was to be a recipient of the school district's first Silver and Gold Apple award. This award was the highest honor a school district employee could receive and were both awarded in 1987. She was recognized constantly for her efforts and love of children and was remembered often for her passion in the classroom. She was nominated and received the Strong Women Award in 2005 and received several accolades of appreciation from her church and other organizations.
Sarah leaves to cherish her memories a loving and caring family, her two step-children; Mitchell (Doris) Harris; Cypress, TX and Annette McCullough; Canton, MS, a very special grandson Kenneth K. Brown (Toya) & his family; Madison, MS, loving granddaughter Demesia D. Brown; Flora, MS, god-daughter Felicia Ford; Madison, MS, her god-sister Latasha Epting Wiggins; Jackson, MS, Earnestine (Stine) Brown; Jackson, MS, a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, and her Morning Star church family.
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