Becky Glass McCulley

Becky Glass McCulley, 72, of Cedar Hill, Texas, passed away on March 9, 2026 after a long battle with cancer. She was born August 28, 1953, in Texarkana, Arkansas, to parents Fred and Evelyn Oden. Becky was beloved, devoted, loyal, and kind-hearted throughout a life marked by service, leadership, and steadfast care for others.

Becky brought her unmistakable East Texas grit to every endeavor, always putting her patients and their families first, ensuring their needs remained at the heart of every decision.

At 19, Becky began her career in pediatric nursing at Parkland Memorial Hospital. Over nearly half a century of dedicated service, she often emphasized to new colleagues, “This is where the opportunities are.”

Becky pursued higher education with purpose and determination. Becky obtained a nursing degree in 1973 from Angelina Junior College. She then earned a Bachelor of Science in healthcare administration from East Texas State University in Commerce, in 1979 followed by a Bachelor of Science in nursing, 1980 and later a Master of Nursing Administration, 1982, both from the University of Texas at Arlington. Her academic path reflected a deep commitment to healthcare and to the people who depend on it.

Over the course of her distinguished career, Becky served as Administrative Director for Ambulatory Services, Chief Nursing Officer, and Chief Operations Officer for UT Southwestern University Hospitals. She was widely regarded as a respected leader, a devoted mentor, and a beloved member of the UT Southwestern and Southwestern Medical District Community. Her work was defined by a commitment to patient care and a passion for supporting the professional growth of those around her.

She served in her current position of Vice President of Clinical Programming and Facility Development since 2019, having played an instrumental part for years in designing, renovating, and constructing clinical facilities that advanced the UTSW mission and strategic goals. Her leadership was especially pivotal during the transition from St. Paul University Hospital to William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital, as well as more recently in planning and building the Texas Behavioral Health Center and the New Pediatric Campus. She also helped develop more than 50 new clinical programs and services.

Becky’s steadfast commitment to patient care, her passion for supporting the professional growth of those around her, and strong sense of family have left an indelible mark. On the UTSW South Campus, her photo is featured on the Celebrating Breakthroughs Together wall, honoring trailblazing women at UT Southwestern. As part of that project, she was quoted as saying, “With tenacity and bravery, there is little that cannot be accomplished.”

Becky’s legacy will live on through the programs and facilities she helped build, the generations of leaders she mentored, and the enduring standards of excellence she advanced in every role she held. Her influence extended beyond titles and responsibilities; it was found in the confidence she instilled, the guidance she offered, and the steady, loyal presence she brought to every challenge.

She is survived by her husband of 32 years, James McCulley, M.D.; her two sons, Jeremy Glass and Jeffrey Glass, both of Waxahachie, Texas; two step-children, Melissa Denena of San Jose, California, and Timothy McCulley of Houston, Texas, sister, Freda Kimmey of Harrison, Arkansas, brothers, Fred Oden, III of Lewisville, Texas, and KC Oden of Glen Rose, Texas. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and four nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Becky will be Monday, March 16, at 2:00pm in the chapel at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to organizations of your choice that provide food, shelter, and medical care for those in need.