Etta Jo New McCullough

Etta “Jo” McCullough, 86, died after a lengthy illness on September 16, 2023 surrounded by her family.  She was born July 5, 1937 in Homer, Louisiana and grew up in Athens, Louisiana where she always talked fondly of her childhood. 

            Jo graduated from Athens High School, Class of 1955 and was on the lady Trojans basketball team with a state championship win.  Following graduation she attended Louisiana Tech University and later transferred to McNeese University where she met her husband, Donald McCullough.  While attending McNeese, she served as homecoming queen and subsequently received a B.S. degree in education.

            Following her marriage to Don, they ultimately resided in Minden and called Minden home.  She was a faithful member of the First Methodist Church where she served as a member of the choir and numerous other committees for many years.  In addition to her church involvement, she was very active in the community and served in the Young Women’s Service Club and Junior Service League, just to name a few. 

            She was preceded in death by her parents, L.M. “Kinney” and Ollie James New, a sister, Barbara Sue New, and husband, Donald McCullough.  She was survived by her two sons, Steven McCullough of Longview, Texas, and Scott McCullough and his wife, Melanie, of Minden; four grandchildren, William Bossert and wife, Rachele, Nicholas McCullough and wife, Jaimie, Madison McCullough, and Kassidy McCullough; and three great-grandchildren, Amellia, Lincoln, and Griffin Bossert.

            A graveside service of remembrance will be held at 1:00 PM on Sunday, October 1, officiated by Rev. William Douglas Peeples, at Mt. Mariah Church and Cemetery, located two miles north of Arcadia, LA on Highway 9.  Following will be a reception/visitation.  Pallbearers are Steven McCullough, Scott McCullough, Nicholas McCullough, Buzzy Buckner, Mickey Love, Dr. Ray Spurlock, and Kyle Robertson. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the First Methodist Church in Minden, choir or children’s building funds.