Lila McCullen of Grand Island FL, a compassionate and selfless soul, passed away at the age of 73, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering love and support for those in need. She departed this world on 29 September 2023, surrounded by family and friends who cherished her.
Born in Scottsburg, IN on 6 August 1950 as Mabel Lila McCullen to her loving parents Beulah Bertha Johnson of Indianapolis, IN and William Truman McCullen of Blackshear, GA , “Cookie” lived a life defined by her boundless generosity and resilience. Her journey was one of triumph over personal trauma and profound sacrifice, a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
Cookie was known far and wide for her open heart and welcoming home. She offered solace to countless young people who found themselves in need of a place to go, an ear to lend, or a shoulder to cry on. Her doors were always open, and her warm embrace made everyone feel like family. She had an extraordinary ability to provide not only shelter but also unconditional love and understanding.
An adoring mother, Cookie poured her heart and soul into raising and loving her daughters Misti Dawn Burns of Grand Island, FL, Kelly Ann Steffee of Winter Park, FL, and her son Joshua Ryan Burns of Toms River, NJ. Her unwavering love and support were a constant source of strength for them. She instilled in her children the values of compassion, kindness, and resilience, which they carry forward as a tribute to her memory.
Cookie is survived by her two daughters, her son,her brother William Parmalee McCullen of Mooresville, IN, a sister Hazel Marie Carlson of Tavares, FL, her beloved cousin Cheryl McCullen Mann of Tuscumbia, AL; 7 grandchildren: Brice Tucker, Caleb Cameron, Conner Cameron, Olivia Steffee, Liam Steffee, Declan Steffee and Airi Burns. She is also survived by many of the children she opened up her heart and home to including: Steven Steffee (husband of Kelly) , Emiri Burns (wife of Joshua), Carla McCullen Griffin, Dawn Marie Hales, Jason Mahaney, Mikael Bellander, Marek Jurko, David Kernell, Kathy Mayhugh, Donnie Mayhugh, David Miller, Terry Miller, Rodney Frasier, Steven Knieriem, Ryan Trandell and others who had the privilege of knowing her as “Mom.” She was preceded in death by her father (1958), mother (1992), and her oldest brother Charles David McCullen (2019), and granddaughter Sutton Steffee (2015).
Her legacy of love and generosity will live on in the hearts of all those she touched. Her life reminds us of the power of forgiveness, the capacity for love, and the strength of the human spirit to overcome even the greatest of challenges. In her passing, we find solace in the knowledge that her legacy of love and compassion will continue to inspire us all.
A memorial service will be held at 12 noon on October 14. 2023 at the First Baptist Church of Umatilla in Umatilla, FL. In lieu of flowers the family suggests purchasing a memorial tree here on the Beyers Funeral Home’s website to be planted in her memory.
Though she may be gone from our sight, Cookie’s spirit will forever be with us, guiding us to live our lives with the same boundless love and kindness that she exemplified throughout her remarkable journey. Rest in peace, dear mother. You will be deeply missed, but your love and legacy will forever shine brightly in our hearts.
