Barbara Jane Cullen

On June 15th, 1941 Barbara Jane Penno Cullen was born to Adelbert Carleton and Marion Weyrauch Penno. With Barbara's arrival, a light came into this world that would bring joy, peace and love to all with whom she came in contact. That light was transformed from earthly to heavenly when, surrounded by her family, Barbara died peacefully October 29, 2023. She will be missed by many, but none more than Brian -- her husband of 61 years.
Barbara graduated from Tolentine High School in 1959. An accomplished student, a champion athlete and highly-demanded stage actress, she was marked early as a leader, a trusted counselor and one who would always accomplish what she committed herself to. Barbara's talent and commitment together with her ability to bring joy to all her co-workers would lead her through many occupations from the engineering team that developed TELSTAR, the world's first communications satellite -- through teaching at the elementary level and ultimately to cattle rancher.
All these opportunities would fade into the background as Barbara began her life's work as the anchor of her family. Married to Brian in 1962, their family grew quickly. With 5 children to steer toward productive, meaningful and faith-filled lives, this work was challenging, rewarding and demanded the full deployment of Barbara's many talents. In this work, Barbara was aided by her unshakeable Faith in the goodness of God and the importance of inviting Him into your life. Together with that faith and Barbara's ever-present good will, she succeeded. All would agree she managed to guide with a light, steady hand that would bring encouragement to the downhearted as she helped them through the many challenges young people face. Barbara found ways to make the difficulties into opportunities and the disappointments into milestones on life's journey.
From mother to grandmother seemed to be a seamless transition. With 16 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, Barbara's calendar was filled with birthdays, holidays and many special occasions. It would not be a mistake to believe that each grandchild could feel as ''Grandma's special'' as no birthday or accomplishment would go unrewarded.
As the family members grew independent - a major goal Barbara set early - she had time to engage in community activities. She enjoyed all the companionship and sense of purpose she derived from her jobs as a board member of The Cotton Museum, Salvation Army, DAR, Spade and Trowel and others. Barbara's proudest moment may have come when she was part of the team that planned the expansion of our local hospital. No longer would the ill and infirm have to travel to Dallas for their medical needs.
Barbara is survived by her husband Brian, her children and their spouses Brian and Amy Cullen, Elizabeth and Neil Beasley, Patricia and Bill Turpin, Juliet and Eric MacDonald, and Mary and Hunter Conger; her grandchildren William (Emily), Sarah, Elaine (Alex), Sean (Michelle), Michael, Emily Jane, Megan, Claire, Kaley, Brian, Claudia, Abigail, Christopher Major, Catie, Julia Grace, and Maddie; five great grandchildren Savannah, Thomas, Penelope, Sean, and Theodore; as well as her sisters Judy Jeselson and Dotsy (Richard) Colt and many adored friends, cousins, nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, who will undoubtedly rejoice with her in God's glory.
A visitation will be held from 6:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. Monday, November 6, 2023, at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home (5100 Interstate 30, Greenville). A rosary will follow from 7:30 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. A Funeral Mass will be at Our Lady of the Lake (1305 Damascus Rd, Rockwall) at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.
The light she carried illuminated us all. It is up to us to carry it forward.