Vivian McCullough

OBITUARY Vivian W. McCullough, a resident of Salisbury, MD, passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of eighty-nine (89) on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Anchorage Nursing Home in Salisbury. Born in Salisbury and a native of Fruitland, Maryland, she was the daughter of the late Elwood Jones and Eleanor Dashiell Wilson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jessie McCullough and her son, Jeffrey Eric McCullough, Sr. Ms. Vivian, as she was lovingly known, was a graduate of both Salisbury High School and Bowie State University where she earned a Master’s degree in Education. She also did graduate work at Morgan State and Salisbury State College, now known as Salisbury University. While attending school, Ms. Vivian excelled in academics, graduating at the top of her class. She was very athletic. In both high school and college, she played on the basketball team as the starting forward. Standing only 5’0 in stature, she was known for her silky smooth jump shot, tenacious defensive skills and a force with which to be reckoned. Ms. Vivian was gifted at music and loved to dance. From the tender age of four she was a child prodigy, being able to sing and play piano by ear. Ms. Vivian loved children. She taught in Charles, Sussex and Wicomico Counties. She retired after thirty-five (35) years of teaching in the Laurel School District where she held several positions as a 3rd grade teacher at North Laurel Elementary School and the Home -School Coordinator at West Laurel and North Laurel Elementary School. Her unwavering commitment to excellence was recognized as she was honored as Teacher of the Year in Sussex County. She was very active in her church and her community. She was an active member of Mount Calvary Church in Fruitland, MD where she played piano and sang in the choir. She was the playground director for many years at the Friendly Benefit Community Playground on Delaware Avenue in Salisbury. In her later years, she was an active member of both the Mac Senior Center (Salisbury) and the Laurel Senior Center (Laurel, DE). Ms. Vivian was very witty and had the best clap backs ever. Being a boss lady that she was, Vivian was affectionately named “The Mayor of Anchorage Nursing Home.” Ms. Vivian loved God and her family. She and her late husband Jessie were married for over twenty-two (22) years and raised two beautiful children, Jeffrey and Terri. Additionally, for over twenty (20) plus years, Ms. Vivian and her longtime boyfriend, Luther Hearn (Pop Pop Luke), had a wonderful life together. Ms. Vivian had a huge heart, especially when it came to children. She raised a host of nieces and nephews in addition to her own children. She leaves behind her affection and loving memories to her many relatives and friends which include: her daughter, Terri L. Hale of Delmar, DE; daughter-in-law, Sheila McCullough of Salisbury, MD; her baby sister, Mary W. Jones of Fruitland, MD; oldest living cousin, Carolyn Matthews of Salisbury, MD; a special niece, Cheryl Gladden (Sassy) of Fruitland, MD; nine grandchildren, Erica Flecha (Josh) and Jeffrey McCullough, Jr., both of NY, Brandon McCullough (Ericka) of Townsend, DE, Jeremy McCullough and Jalisha McCullough, both of Salisbury, MD, Marques Hale of Santa Ana, CA, Chris Hale of Baltimore (preceded her in death) and Jeffrey Bobbit and Megan Bobbit, both of GA; six great grandchildren and a host of nieces, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her siblings which included Donald Dashiell, (Donnie), Shirley Gladden, Howard Wilson, Jr. (Teet), Ronald E. Wilson, Wanda Bivens, Phelps Clinton Dennis, Sr. and Larry Dennis. Lovingly submitted by her family who will forever cherish her memory and carry her legacy in their hearts.

Vivian McCullough

March 5, 1935 - November 26, 2024