Alva Honore McCullum

Alva Honore McCullum was born on April 6, 1932 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Albert Honore and Norma Harrison Honore. She was married for 64 years to the late Herbert Joseph McCullum Sr. Born to this union is a son - Herbert Joseph McCullum Jr.

Alva attended and graduated from Xavier Prep High School in 1949 and from Xavier University in 1953 where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and later a master’s in special education.

For over 50 years Alva worked in the New Orleans Public School System; first, as an elementary school teacher, then as a special education teacher, and finally as an education consultant for appraisal services. Alva was passionate about her work, and she loved helping children. In addition to teaching young children during the day, she dedicated her evenings to teaching veterans. She retired from the Orleans Parish Public School System in 2002.

Alva has been a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. since 1952.

Alva had a strong Christian faith. While in New Orleans she was a parishioner of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church where she was an active member of the gospel choir. In 2005, after living in New Orleans for 73 years, Hurricane Katrina necessitated a move to Houston, Texas; and it wasn't long before she found a church home and became fully involved with the warm, loving family of St. Monica Catholic Church. There she served as a Eucharistic minister and worked with the St. Vincent De Paul Society's food pantry and community outreach ministry as well as the Silver Steppers Senior ministry.

A great day for Alva was sitting at her kitchen table playing games on her iPad, working cryptographs, and watching political news.

Momma, T-Alva, Grandmother, and MomAl are all loving terms of endearment that were used when she was called upon for her wisdom, knowledge, compassion, and /or tough love. Alva was blessed to enjoy and nurture three generations of family. Alva Honore McCullum was an extraordinary Christian woman. She was gentle, kind, loving, and compassionate. She dedicated her life to serving and helping others, often sacrificing her needs and desires. As a good Christian we saw Christ in her and with Christ she now lives.

Alva Honore McCullum was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband (Herbert Joseph McCullum Sr.) and sister (Bernadine Honore Rodney). Left to cherish her memory are her son, Herbert Joseph McCullum Jr. (Lelia); grandchildren, Herbert Joseph McCullum III (LeKisha), Toni McCullum Isaacs (Kenyon Sr), and Dwayne Arceneaux (Ann); five great-grandchildren, Kyle and Paige McCullum, Kenyon Jr., Taylor, and Kelan Isaacs; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass to be held in the chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124 on Thursday, October 14, 2021 at 2:00 pm. Visitation will begin at 12:00 pm. Interment will follow Mass in All Saints Mausoleum.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brooksidechampions.com for the McCullum family.