In Harris County, Independence Heights, on November 2, 1928, God blessed Rev. Author and Maggie McCullough with a child they named Lota Elizabeth, she was the last of 6 children. She was born and reared in a Christian home, accepting Christ at an early age. She was brought up in Salem Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of her father and founder. Lota started playing piano for the church at the age of 12 years old and continued over 60 years. She was the church secretary, secretary of mission, taught intermediate Sunday school, secretary of the benevolent committee, mission treasurer and played for vacation bible school.
Lota attended Booker T. Washington High School where she was a stellar academic, she graduated January 13th, 1945. Directly after graduating high school, she attended Johnsons Business College and successfully completed the courses of bookkeeping and stenography. Following Johnson Business College, she continued her education at Texas State University for Negros currently known as Texas Southern University where she received her bachelor’s in music education in 1950.
After graduating from TSU in 1950 she began teaching the 3rd and 4th grade in Hufsmith, Tx for 4 years. After completing her tenor as an educator, she began working at the Veterans Administration Hospital and the VA Regional Office for 28 years until her retirement. After retirement she worked diligently in her community and was the secretary of the neighborhood counsel until it was disbanded.
In 1954 she married A.C. Charles, they had two children together Debra and Andrew and she was gifted with a stepdaughter Dianna. They were married for 30 years until his death in 1984.
Lota is preceded in death by her spouse A.C. Charles, parents Author and Maggie McCullough, 3 brothers Author (Olle), Ed (Helen) and Jim McCullough, 2 sisters Sally Norman (John) and Hester Blake (Herman).
Leaves to cherish her memories 3 children, Dianna Phillips (Roy), Debra Jefferson (Donald), Andrew Charles (Effie), 8 grandchildren LeRoy Phillips (Markita), Deria Hill (Jason), Ashley Williams (Troy), Andrew Charles (Erin), Damian Charles (Samantha), Charleston Phillips (Zelma), Cory Charles (Jaliylah) and Kaelynn Hill, 18 great-children, 1 great-great grandchild , God child Clifford Deese (Patricia) and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
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