Mrs. Linda Diane (Mccullough) Howard Obituary (1954

A Time To Be Born: Linda Diane McCullough Howard was born April 7, 1954 to John Arthur and Gladys Ward McCullough in Pelham, Georgia. The youngest of four children, Linda was affectionately called Bey by her maternal grandmother, Viola Ward. The name followed her into family stories, recalling fond memories growing up on her grandparents' farm in Baconton, Georgia. A Time To Educate: Linda's parents and grandparents, her earliest teachers, instilled in her a strong work ethic, the value of learning, and a generous and loving spirit. She completed elementary and junior high school at Mitchell County Training School (Pelham, Georgia), Linda was among a select group of students to integrate Pelham High School, graduating in 1971. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and a Specialist Degree in Education Leadership from Albany State College and a Master of Library Science from the University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She also studied at Florida State University. Dedicated to educating and shaping young minds, she had a long and fulfilling career as a public school educator: three years in Sparta Georgia (Warren County) and 32 years in the Mitchell County School System, retiring in August 2010. A Time To Serve God: Music was always a source of comfort and pleasure for Linda. She was taught piano by her mother and was often found singing and playing at home on her grandmother's piano that had traveled from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Baconton, the same piano her mother had trained on as a child. Linda shared her gift with local community churches, she formed a youth choir at New Salem Missionary Baptist Church and she often volunteered to play whenever called upon. Linda continued the family legacy, teaching her granddaughter Kennedy "Jesus Loves Me" this summer 2019. At a young age, Linda joined Summer Hill Baptist Church in Pelham, Georgia, later moving her membership to New Salem Missionary Baptist Church, across the road where she and her family had chosen to make their home. A Time To Unite On June 22, 1985, Linda married Jewell David Howard. Over thirty years later, she said "I married my forever and always, my truest and best friend..." To this union two sons were born: Jonathan Ward (Maraia Janay) of Fishers, Indiana and Jeremy David Howard of the United States Army. A Time to Transition: Surrounded by family on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28, 2019, Linda peacefully transitioned into the welcoming arms of God. She was 65 years old. A Time To Mourn In addition to her husband and sons, Linda is survived by her granddaughter Kennedy and grandson Hendrix; sisters Rycha Elaine Redden (Clifford, deceased), Janice Ridgeway (Quinton Durham); brother John (Pepper) McCullough, Jr.; sisters Bridget McCullough, Johnelia Wilkerson (Lewis), and Lisa McCullough; sister Vanistean Sapp Moore; brothers-in-law Marvin (Susie), Robert (Marilyn), Curtis (Alice), James Colbert (Loletha) Gene Colbert (Shelia), Author (Michelle), Eddie (Earnestine) sisters-in-law Linda -----, Edith (Mike), Carolyn; grand aunt Luderral Stephens; grand uncle William McCullough; mother-in-law Annie Laura Solomon; a loving family of nieces, nephews, and cousins; and an extensive circle of friends and colleagues who shared her life journey and supported her during her illness. Linda will be remembered for her participation in and financial commitment to civic, social, and educational organizations such as the Association of Georgia Retired Educators; the Mitchell County Board of Elections; Les Douze Amies Social Club; Albany State Alumni Association; University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Association; the Deaconess of New Salem M.B.C.; New Salem Senior Choir and, Mitchell County NAACP. Linda lived a life worthy of emulation. The world is better because she was in it. May her spirit continue in the thoughts and deeds of those she loved.