Marion Elizabeth McCullough

Marion Elizabeth (Rothery) McCullough died on Oct. 8, 2023 at 90 years of age after a short illness.

Marion was born on Feb. 24, 1933 in Portland, Oregon to Joseph and Bertha Rothery. The third of five children, Marion grew up in Portland, meeting her future husband, Leslie McCullough, on a blind date when she was 17. Marion and Les were married on Feb. 24, 1952.

Les was accepted to Ambassador College in 1957 when they moved to Pasadena, California. Marion and Les had three children, Kimberly, Lynn and Michael. The family moved to Texas in 1965 when Les became deputy chancellor of Ambassador College and had many wonderful times in the early years of the Big Sandy campus, enjoying the opportunity to serve the students and the church members of Worldwide Church of God. 

As her husband’s responsibilities with Worldwide Church of God, United Church of God and COGWA evolved over the years, Marion and Les moved to various cities around the world, including a return to Pasadena, California for a time; then on to Vancouver, Canada; Cincinnati, Ohio; back to Big Sandy Texas; and several years spent in England and South Africa before finally settling back home in Big Sandy for good in 2002.

Les and Marion met many fellow church members throughout their travels, leaving behind a host of friendships around the world and many wonderful memories.

Marion was a wonderful example for all those who met or knew her. She was a devoted wife and partner. Her friendliness, wisdom, encouragement, and upbeat attitude were a positive influence on everyone she met. She loved the many travel opportunities and tackled each of their moves around the world with an adventurous spirit. Her positive attitude and innate curiosity about everyone and everything were a hallmark of her personality. Besides spending time with family, she enjoyed home and interior design, playing hostess and entertaining, cooking, reading, gardening, her dogs, and Willie Nelson. Our fondest memories with her are chatting over many cups of tea or a glass of wine and discussing current events and the problems of the day. We solved them all.

Marion was preceded in death by her husband Les, her parents Joseph and Bertha Rothery, sister Ellen Hartman, son Michael Leslie McCullough, and dogs Willie and Sam.

Marion is survived by her two daughters and their spouses; Kimberly and Ron Mabry, Gladewater, Texas; Lynn and Matthew Gus, Plano, Texas; her sisters Lorene Leabo and Alice Robinson; brother Joe Rothery, her faithful dog Jackson, and various nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Marion McCullough will be held at noon on Oct. 22, 2023 in the COGWA East Texas Church building at 24345 CR 3107, Gladewater, TX 75647. Flowers can be sent to Croley Funeral Home, 401 N Center St, Gladewater, TX 75647. If you prefer a Sunday delivery to the East Texas Church building, Gilmer Flowers has agreed to do a special one Sunday at 10 a.m. Their phone number is (903) 753-0071.

Cards may be sent to the attention of the family at Mrs. McCullough's residence: 7091 White Oak Road, Big Sandy, Texas 75755