Berta McCullom

Berta Gholson was born on April 2, 1932, the second of thirteen children to the late Robert Lee and Robbie (Moore) Gholson in Aberdeen, MS. She was raised in Gary, IN, graduated from Roosevelt High School and received a B.S. degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University. She taught second grade in the Gary, IN public school system until her marriage to her high school sweetheart, Cornell McCullom Jr., a newly minted graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

She moved with her husband and growing family as military assignments took them around the United States and internationally. With almost every move, Berta taught children and took graduate level classes. She taught in Germany, New Jersey, Utah, Alaska, Indiana, and at the West Point Elementary School for 32 years. She earned a reputation as a great teacher with high standards wherever she went. Students’ parents often requested that their child be placed in “Mrs. McCullom’s” class.

During her many moves, Berta took graduate level courses at Indiana University, Newark State College, University of Alaska, University of Kansas, and received an M.S. in Education from Long Island University. She strongly believed in education and passed on her love of learning to her children and grandchildren.

Upon her husband, Cornell’s, retirement in 1978, the family settled in Washingtonville, NY. This allowed Berta to continue working at West Point while giving them the ability to send their children to college and graduate school.

Berta loved to travel and went on numerous tours with her sister Robbie and other family members and friends. She visited multiple countries throughout Europe, Africa, Asia and South America. She collected jewelry, art, and beautiful clothing during her travels and loved to share her treasures with family and friends. Her worldly wisdom and generous spirit will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Berta is survived by her loving children, Dr. Cornell McCullom III (Yetta), Kevin McCullom (Lori), Michele McCullom and Scott McCullom; her cherished grandchildren, Kristyn (Abel), Cornell IV, Noelle and Michael; caring sisters, Frances Clarke (Marcus), Dr. Gwendolyn Gholson-Driver (Kyle), Linda Hamilton, Pearl Grace, Debra Tate and brother Edward Gholson (Latrice); cousin JoAnn Overstreet (Louie); and a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Colonel Cornell McCullom Jr., two sisters and four bothers.