Fountain Inn, South Carolina

Lynn McCullough, 68, born and bred in Laurens, South Carolina, passed away Thursday, August 24th, 2023, after an 11 day fight with an aggressive form of leukemia. The daughter of the late great optometrist, Dr. James (Jim) Wilson McCullough Sr. and Lettie Jane Riley whom also passed from cancer as well as her two brothers, James (Jimmy) Wilson McCullough Jr., and Jack Edward McCullough all of Laurens, SC. She is also predeceased by her loving Granny, Madie Samanthia Beasley of Ware Shoals, SC, and beautiful niece, Ashley Ann Ketchum of Greer, SC, her sister's daughter who was taken from us too soon.

She is survived by her older sister whom is currently in her own fight against cancer, Jane Coleman Rogers and husband Dan of Greer, SC. Surviving families of her sister include: niece and wife, Meredith Ketchum and Megan Black of Greer, SC; niece and husband, Christina and Micheal Meloy of Larrabee, Iowa; great nephew, Thomas (Tee) Cowart III studying at San Francisco University in California; and great niece, Gabrielle (Elle) Cowart of Greer, SC.

Surviving families including spouses and children of her late brother Jimmy are: niece, Cara Robson, nephew, James (Will) Wilson McCullough III, and niece, Kelli McCullough all of Laurens, SC.

Surviving family of her late brother Jack is nephew, Levi McCullough and his daughter, Ally, also of Laurens, SC.

Last but not least, Lynn is survived by her two children and their families in which she sacrificed everything she ever was or ever had to give them the world while always loving them unconditionally: her daughter, Amanda (Mandy) Lynn Clyburn, husband Matthew, and their four children: Jonas, Carter, Eva, and Maisie, and her son James (Jay) Robert Bagwell, wife Amber, and their daughter, Riley-Kate, as well as her beloved fur friend, Mia.

Lynn earned an Associates Degree of Arts in Special Education at Spartanburg Methodist College in 1975 and worked for Whiten Center in Clinton, SC with the mentally handicapped for several years. She also worked for Laurens EMS and Fire Department as a dispatcher before the town established a 911 center. Never knowing a stranger, she served her community and fellow man kind with compassion and grace.

She loved her brothers and sister with a fervent heart through thick and thin. Together they overcame many hardships by having each others back as they fought with love through every obstacle thrown their way. They spent many nights around a kitchen table enjoying coffee and conversation learning to reckon with their parent's mistakes while contemplating how to pass down that growth to their future generations. She guarded her nieces and nephews with as much vigilance as her siblings displayed for her children. She always said she couldn't wait to see the four of them together again. As brothers and sisters, their love knew no bounds. "That's heaven's gift," she'd say.

As a single mother, she worked hard with little to show for it, believing life is meant to be spent not saved. She lived in the moment, forgave the past, and never counted on a future. Any little rainy day funds that happened to land in her pocket, she would immediately conjure the wind and spend every last dime on her family never leaving any for herself. "All I need is my shows and some sweet tea," she'd say, "and my family."

She lived a selfless life while being a true rebel at heart by taking stands against those who wronged her or anyone else but was always willing to forgive. She fought for those who were often overlooked and left behind holding no prejudices. She knew when to listen and when to get involved. She'd write everything down making lists upon lists. She'd capture the words coming out of your mouth if she thought you said something profound. Never turning away from a bit of gossip, loving to hear the way people lived, she'd lend advice reminding you to put yourself in other people's shoes before rushing to judgement.

Being blind in one eye, she still got to see her youngest grand baby sprout curls and take her first step. She watched her older grandchildren play in the street with friends the day before she checked herself into the hospital. Spotting a rainbow before a storm she said, "There's your sign from God, a promise, that even if tomorrow is the end, I'll always be with you until I see you again."

Lynn died the way she lived; trusting everyone would do their best while also fighting in her own stubborn way. She never got mad the promised medicine failed, but instead laughed while showing no pain. She was the best Momma, and an even better Gigi. She will be greatly missed.

Service arrangements are incomplete at this time.  Please keep the family in your prayers.

Sign the guestbook and share a memory of Ms. Lynn for the family to ready.

The McCullough family is being cared for by Sullivan Bros. Mortuary Inc and Cremation Centers of South Carolina.