Gloria Jean McCullough

Gloria Jean Clark passed away on February 4, 2026, at the age of 95, surrounded by the love of those whose lives she touched so deeply . She leaves behind a profound legacy of faith, strength, and an unwavering devotion to her family.

Gloria was born on September 14, 1930, in Houston, Texas. She was the third of four children raised in Houston by Lurlena, a devoted homemaker, and Peyton, a hardworking small business owner. Gloria also had an older sister from her mother’s first marriage. Her early years helped shape the resilience, compassion, and strength that would define her life.

After finishing high school at Booker T Washington, Gloria took classes at Texas Southern University. She faced life's ups and downs with resilience and positivity. She married Clarence Williams in 1950, but they divorced in 1954. Later, in 1960, she married Alfred Ronald McCullough, and that marriage ended in 1963. These experiences helped shape her into the strong, independent woman her family knew and loved.

She began her professional journey working at Neiman Marcus, where she built lasting relationships and a reputation for dedication. She later broke barriers by joining the United States Postal Service as one of the first female African American clerks. She worked faithfully at USPS for 35 years until her retirement in 1998. Her work ethic, perseverance, and integrity left a lasting mark on everyone who had the privilege of working alongside her.

Gloria’s life was rich with passion and pride. She was an avid writer and a seasoned traveler who especially loved her trips to Las Vegas. A true daughter of her Louisiana roots, she took great joy in sharing a meal of seafood or red beans and rice with those she loved. One of her greatest points of pride was seeing all five of her grandchildren graduate from college.

A devoted mother, Gloria is lovingly remembered by her three children: her eldest son, Jimmie C Williams, a Navy veteran; her daughter Lurlena “Pat” (Williams) Deese (Clifford Deese, Sr.); and her youngest daughter, Doris C McCullough. Her legacy of love continues through her five cherished grandchildren—Cliff Deese Jr. (Solone Deese), Elizabeth McCullough, Kimberly McCullough-Gardner (Michael Gardner), Shamika George Wiggins (Jermaine Wiggins), and Angela McCullough—and her ten beloved great-grandchildren: Farrah Burrell, Cirsten Deese, Christian Deese, Curestan Deese, Christopher Deese, Hattie Gardner, Charles Gardner, Sienna Wiggins, Simone Wiggins, and Alice McCullough-Roy. Gloria and her “mini-me,” Alice, shared a special bond, with birthdays just one day apart, celebrating nine joyful years of shared milestones.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Lodine, Doris Ruth, and Jimmie Lou; her brother, Peyton Jr.; her niece, Glory; and several nephews. Known as a beautiful and

graceful “spitfire,” she will be remembered for her formidable presence, her generous heart, and her enduring faith.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Salem Missionary Baptist Church. Her legacy lives on through the generations she nurtured and the countless lives she touched with her compassion and strength.