Ellen Elizabeth Cullum

Ellen Elizabeth Cullum, 65, of Darlington, MD passed away on January 21st, 2021 after losing her battle with COVID-19. Born Ellen Elizabeth Knight to William and Ruth Knight, she grew up in Street, MD on her family's dairy farm. She graduated from Bel Air High School and Harford Vocational Technical High School in 1973 and also studied hair design at Zegarelli Brothers in Pittsburg, PA. Immediately following high school, she began work as a cosmetologist; a career that she excelled in and adored for more than 44 years.

Ellen married John Cullum in 1975 at Dublin United Methodist Church where she was a member her entire life. Ellen and John moved to Delta, PA for a brief period where they had their only child, Brian. The family then moved to Darlington, MD where Ellen spent the remainder of her years.

Ellen was incredibly proud to be from Maryland and to have come from a family of farmers. She could often be found tending to her gardens and creating beautiful and comforting outdoor spaces. Her home is adorned with heirlooms from family farms, symbols of Maryland, treasures from the sea and pictures of her loved ones. Entertaining family and friends in her home was one of her favorite things to do, whether it was a game day, a birthday, a holiday or any other event as she welcomed any excuse to plan and host a party!

Ellen was a beach enthusiast who loved having her toes in the sand and her back warmed by the sun while she searched beaches far and wide for perfect salty treasures. Spending time at the beach with her family and friends was her most cherished activity.

Ellen will always be remembered as a loving caring wife, mother, family member and friend. She spent so much of her life giving and caring for others, and was always happiest when she knew she was making other people happy. She cared for her family and friends in amazing ways with her boundless energy and infectious laughter and smiles.

She is preceded in death by her father, William J. Knight Sr. of Street, MD. She is survived by her mother, Ruth E. Knight of Street, MD; her husband John W. Cullum of Darlington, MD and their son Brian J. Cullum, wife, Susan J. Cullum and granddaughter, Peyton E. Cullum of Wesley Chapel, FL; her brother, William J. Knight Jr., wife, Joyce A. Petty of Darlington, MD; her sister, Mary E. Raab, husband, Mark S. Raab of Jarrettsville, MD and their son, James J. Raab and fiancée, Heaven C. Millar of Lanesboro, MA; and a host of loving family members and long-time friends.

Due to COVID restrictions, services will be held privately for her immediate family and will be live streamed through Facebook on the Harkins Funeral Home with Cremation Services page on Friday, January 29th at 11:00 am. To send condolences, please visit www.harkinsfuneralhome.com or call 800-550-5915

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Ellen to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation (www.myasthenia.org), the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) or Holy Cross Episcopal Church (www.holycrossrocks.org).