Sandra Faye McCullum

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Sandra Faye McCullum, beloved wife, mother, “Nana”, and friend, who entered into eternal life on July 9, 2025 at the age of 71. May she rest in peace, and may her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

Born on July 16, 1953, Sandy McCullum (formerly Hitner of Edwardsville, IN) was the oldest child of Frederick and Esther Hitner. She was married to her devoted husband, Jerry McCullum, for 47 years and built a life filled with love, commitment, and shared memories. Together, they raised three children, who were the center of her world, all of whom learned to pursue higher education from their mother and each graduated with Doctorate Degrees. Sandy was the first child in her family to obtain a College Degree.

Sandra was a beloved teacher at Holy Cross High School and earned her Master’s Degree in Education, and her husband Jerry is a retired Lawyer and CPA.

As a devout Catholic, Sandy found strength and solace in her faith. She was a member of St. Mary of the Annunciation Church in New Albany where her children attended grade school. Her faith was her compass throughout her life, guiding her through both the joys and challenges that came her way. Known for her compassion and nurturing spirit and wisdom, she was a source of light and love to everyone who knew her. Her warm smile, kind heart, and gentle presence will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to call her family or friend. Sandra’s life was devoted to her family. She also loved and taught her students over a long teaching career at Holy Cross Catholic High School and Grade School assignments. Many of her students kept in touch and shared their thanks and their accomplishments with Sandra for many years after graduation. As well as offering compassion, wisdom and advice to countless students, she formed deep and lasting friendships through teaching that were some of the most meaningful parts of her life. Above all, she will be remembered for the love she gave, the lessons she taught, and the example she set through her devotion to family, faith, and community.

She will be warmly remembered by all who knew her, but especially missed by her family: Her loving husband of 47 years, Jerry McCullum, who thinks she walks with the stars. Her son, Paul McCullum, Juris Doctor Degree and Master’s of Science in European Business, who practices law as an Assistant County Attorney in Louisville, KY; his wife Loida Barrios (a Bachelor of Science Degree), and his children, son Graham McCullum, and daughter Cassandra McCullum. Her daughter, Andrea McCullum Mejia, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), who owns a Rheumatology Private Practice in Winter Garden, FL; her husband Juan Carlos Mejia Garces, M.D., and their two children, son Sebastian McCullum Mejia, and daughter Clara McCullum Mejia. Her daughter, Alexandra Hughes, Class Valedictorian Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), who works as a Specialty Pharmacist at Indiana University Health near Indianapolis, IN; her husband Stephen Hughes (Professional Engineer with a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering), and their three children, daughter Charlotte Hughes, son Callum Hughes, and son Oliver Hughes.

Sandra’s favorite pastime was seeing her grandchildren, visiting art museums, and painting flowers and scenic landscapes in oil paint. Sandra is also survived by her brother, Donnie Hitner (wife Nina), her brother, John

Hitner (wife Laura), her sister, Becky Schellenberg (husband Tom), her brother, Glen Hitner (wife Linda), and her brother Ronald Davidson (wife Carol), and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Kraft Funeral Home located at 708 E Spring St, New Albany, IN on Friday, July 18, 2025 from 2 PM until 7PM, with prayer of Rosary at 4 pm with Father Bill Ernst. Final family visitation will be from 9 AM to 10AM Saturday, July 19, 2025, followed by the Funeral Mass at 10 AM at St. Mary of the Annunciation Church in New Albany. Interment will be at Edwardsville Cemetery at a later date.