Elaine Willis Cullen

Elaine Willis Cullen, age 88, of Columbia, MD, passed away in her sleep and went to her eternal home to be with her beloved Savior on September 24, 2025. She very much loved her Lord and her family, and we know she is enjoying the glories of heaven now, free from the difficulties of this earth. She was born on June 27, 1937, in Silver City, NM, to the late Gerald William Paulin and Emma Ruth (Shambaugh) Paulin. When she was just 3 months old, her father died, so she and her older brother Bill were eventually adopted by her step-father, Mason Willis.

Elaine graduated from Centreville High School, MD, and received a bachelor’s degree from Towson State Teachers College. She worked for many years as an administrative assistant for the Howard County Board of Education Maintenance Department. Elaine grew up in New Mexico, New York City (where her mom was pursuing a solo music career), and the Eastern Shore of MD with her beloved older brother, Bill (where her step-father was a Methodist minister).

In 1961, Elaine married Charles (Chuck) Cullen — Charley to her. Together, they lived in Towson, Beltsville, and Columbia, MD, while Charles worked as an electrical engineer for the Department of Defense at Fort Meade for about 40 years, and they raised two boys and a girl. Elaine’s love for her Lord and the Word of God were evident in her life, as she spent much time studying God’s Word and memorizing Scripture verses, up until she passed away. She enjoyed attending church and Bible study every week. She loved gardening and flowers of all colors, passionately cheering for the Orioles and Ravens, taking walks with loved ones and friends, and faithfully taking care of her family, including Charles, her 3 kids and 9 grandkids (8 boys and one girl!). She loved her family dearly and would make excellent meals and baked goods, send cards with Bible verses, and give great hugs. She did not know a stranger and loved to chat with everyone.

Elaine is survived by her husband of 64 years, Charles M. Cullen, Jr., as well as her children: son, Maj. Scott Cullen (USAF, Ret.) (Cindy); son, Stephen Cullen (Kelly); daughter, Wendy Gray (Rick); brother, Col. William Gerald Willis (US Army, Ret.) (Catherine); and 9 grandchildren (Ian and Will Cullen; Alex, Shannon, Cabot, and Andrew Cullen; and Grant, Aidan, and Chase Gray). Elaine was preceded in death by her parents.

A funeral service to celebrate Elaine’s life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Columbia Presbyterian Church, 10001 State Route 108, Columbia MD 21044, where family and friends may begin visiting at 10:30 a.m. The burial will be private.