Magnolia Starks McCullough

Remembrance/In Memoriam

Magnolia Starks McCullough Magnolia Starks McCullough passed peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, June 3, 2012 at 9:35pm while in respite care at the Pflugerville Nursing and Rehab Center. She began her adult life marrying a career Army Serviceman, Malcolm Henry Baker (1920-1984) and travelled abroad where two daughters were born, Maria and Vanessa, in Salzburg, Austria. At 40 years of age, she completed her undergraduate and later her Masters degrees. (BA and MA Hardin Simmons University Utilizing her BS Minor in Special Education, she worked with special needs children at the West Texas Rehabilitation Center in Abilene, Texas. This is where she found her love of educating children. She taught Special Education in Abilene, Texas for several years in the Public School system. In 1970 she accepted a position with the Texas Education Agency, in Austin, Texas as an Education Specialist. She became the first (1st) African American in the position of Director of Teacher Certification where she supported and worked with State Legislators to implement the Texas Charter School legislation. Magnolia McCullough was one of three African American Directors appointed in the State of Texas. During this time she married Carl McCullough, US retired Air Force and they raised three children, Carla, Marilyn and Richard. Magnolia McCullough served within and was a faithful servant to the Lord in his church throughout her life. Texas Service appointments include the Texas Commission on Women (one of the first four African American Women inducted) The 10th Episcopal District of the AME Church Education Director, NAACP member, Bible Study Fellowship Discussion Leader and Graduate Advisor Alpha Kappa Alpha Huston Tillotson University. After retiring, she served as the Director of Education for Athletes Services Network (an at risk program for youth 17-25). Magnolia McCullough had the highest honor bestowed upon her being the First African American (living) to have a Charter School named in her honor. "McCullough Academy", in Austin, Texas. Magnolia McCullough was a Texas trailblazer of education in the State of Texas an Austin Community and Spiritual Leader and a notable contributing citizen in the State of Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, one brother, husbands and daughters Maria and Marilyn and grandson Petey. Her surviving children are daughters Vanessa McQueen-Silas and Carla McCullough, Austin, Texas and son Richard McCullough League City, Texas, Cherishing her and surviving her death are siblings, her grand and great grand children and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.Service will be at Grant AME Worship Center. 1701 Kramer Lane. Austin at 2:00 p.m.