MCCULLA FUNERAL HOME - Key Persons
Betty Bryan, age 100, of Oxon Hill, MD died Saturday January 20, 2024, in Morgantown, WV. She was born on August 4, 1923, in Fairmont, WV, a daughter of the late Roy and Ethel Heston Ferrell. Betty was a graduate of Morgantown High School and earned her R.N. at the Ohio Valley General Hospital in Wheeling, WV. She served in the Army Nurse Corp during WWII. She considered her greatest accomplishment to be the raising of her three children. She was an active parishioner of St. Columba Catholic Church in Oxon Hill, MD. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband John Bryan, her brother Robert Ferrell, and her sister Shannon Kelly. Survivors include her son John Bryan II (Carolina); two daughters: Linn (Tom) Monahan and Shannon (Patrick) Gales; her sister Jane Watterson; eight grandchildren: Beatriz Jarvis (Josh), John Bryan III (Rachel), Shae Bryan, Bradley Monahan (Erin), Ginny Monahan, Kallie Koenigsknecht (Scott), Erin Gales and Morgan Gales; and eight great grandchildren: Flor, Abe, George, Ryker, Veyda, Amelia, Emilia and Anna. Services will be held at a later date in conjunction with her inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery. Until then, we urge friends and family to have a personal moment in memorial on Sunday February 4th at your place of worship or wherever makes you think of Betty. If you would like to make a memorial contribution, please make it to St. Columba Catholic Church, 7804 Livingston Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. McCulla Funeral Home, 770 Fairmont Road, Morgantown, WV has provided cremation services and online condolences may be extended to the family at www.mcculla.com
Betty Ruth Lucas, affectionately known as Nan to her loved ones, peacefully entered into eternal rest on January 31, 2024, in her hometown of Morgantown, WV, at the age of 87. Born on July 4, 1936, in the same vibrant community, she was the heart and soul of her family, embodying the spirit of love, kindness, and friendship throughout her blessed life. Betty was predeceased by her beloved parents, David and Olive Madigan Mayle, her cherished sons Timothy Poling and Bryan Lucas, her adoring siblings Mary Riggie and William Mayle, and her treasured grandson Nick Lucas. Her legacy of love continues through her devoted husband Paul Lucas; her daughters, Melanie Boster (David), Kelly Griffin (Michael), Deanna Rowan (Charles), and Barbara Shaver (David); her sons, Jeff Poling (Cheryl), Dean Lucas, and Richard Lucas; her sister Evelyn Mayle; her grandchildren, Rachel Spiker (Josh), Anthony Host, Julianna Griffin, Chad Rowan (Ashley), Crystal Shelley (James), Tristan Lucas (Tiffany), Sierra Lucas, Victoria Britton (Caleb), and Laura Shelton (Josh); and her thirteen great-grandchildren who adored their great-grandmother dearly. A cherished member since 1950 of The River Church, Betty, possessed a deep connection with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Betty was a true servant of her faith finding joy and solace in the fellowship of her church family, where she taught Sunday School for many years. She enjoyed following West Virginia University sports. Betty's passion for the natural beauty of flowers reflected the warmth and care she extended to all those who were fortunate enough to cross her path. Moments spent with her family were treasured above all. Known for her unwavering capacity for love and friendship, Betty will be profoundly missed by all who knew her. Her life-long friend, Shirley Wilt, sister, Evelyn Mayle, sister-in-law Jo Lothrop, and the countless lives she touched bear witness to the remarkable woman she was. Betty's spirit, characterized by her radiant smile and open heart, will continue to inspire and guide her family and friends for generations to come. Friends and family will be received at The River Church, 4234 Dents Run Blvd. Westover, WV on Monday February 5 from 5-8pm and again on Tuesday from 10-11am service time with Rev. Chad Rowan officiating. McCulla Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McCulla.com.
Duane "Pappy" Taylor, a cherished soul known for his friendly demeanor, gentle spirit, and kind heart, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2024, in Morgantown, WV, at the age of 87. Born on May 12, 1936, in the rolling hills of West Virginia, Duane's life was a testament to the strength and warmth of the Appalachian spirit. Duane's journey began as the beloved son of Parley and Dorothy Gamble Taylor, who instilled in him the values of hard work and compassion that he carried throughout his life. He spent his career as a dedicated glass factory worker, where his colleagues knew him as a reliable and cheerful presence. Duane's love for life was evident in his enjoyment of going out and about. Whether it was a simple walk in the neighborhood or attending a local event, he embraced every moment with enthusiasm and a smile that could light up a room. Though he faced the sorrow of outliving his wife, Thelma Taylor, and his daughter, Karen Duley, Duane's legacy is carried on through his loving family. He was a devoted father to his sons, Bobby Duane Taylor and James Franklin Taylor, and a supportive step-father to John Wayne Cale, who, alongside his wife Kathleen, held a special place in Duane's heart. His siblings, Billie McIe, Elmer Taylor, and Lee Taylor, will fondly remember their brother's gentle nature and unwavering kindness. Duane was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren, several great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, who will continue to be inspired by his life's stories and the lessons he shared. His presence was a gift to his family, and his memory will be a treasure that they will hold dear forever. Friends and family may gather at McCulla Funeral Home, on Monday, January 8, 2024 from 4-8pm and again on Tuesday from 10am until the 11am funeral service with Rev. Gary Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Masontown, WV, where Duane will be laid to rest beside his wife. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McCulla.com
Gary Wiles, Jr. joined the McCulla Funeral Home staff in 2021. Gary was born and raised in Morgantown, and is a 1993 graduate of Morgantown High School.
After a 20-year career at Mylan Pharmaceuticals, Gary has found a home here at McCulla Funeral Home.
"I am truly blessed after a couple of hardships in my life, to end up with the family at McCulla Funeral Home; they don't look at it as a job, they approach each service as a ministry. Jesus taught us to have compassion and Bill and the directors here model that very well. I am happy to help in any way possible that helps others in a tough time."
Jasmine M. Oliver joined McCulla Funeral Home staff in February of 2022. She was born and raised in Martinsburg, WV. She is a 2010 graduate of Martinsburg High School and a 2014 graduate of Marshall University with a Bachelor of Business Administration, majoring in management.
Jasmine followed her dreams and continued her education at the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science graduating with honors in 2015. She is currently licensed in West Virginia and Virginia as a funeral director and embalmer. She received her Virginia funeral director's license in 2017 and West Virginia funeral director's license in 2022.
Jasmine believes funeral service to be her true calling from God and is proud to be serving the people and community of Westover/Morgantown. She is compassionate, hardworking, and detail oriented.
"May the work I've done speak for me"
Jeremiah Bowen joined the McCulla Funeral Home staff in October 2022. He was born and raised in Spencer, West Virginia. He is a 1999 graduate of Roane County High School and graduated with honors from Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 2003. He received his West Virginia Funeral Director and Embalmers license in 2004. He started working in the funeral business right out of high school and has always known that he wanted to be a funeral director and to help families in their time of need.
Jeremiah has been blessed with a beautiful wife: Leah (Bolyard) Bowen and two beautiful children: Charlie and Elleann.
Robbie Eddy joined the McCulla Funeral Home staff full time in January of 2010. He is a 2006 graduate of Clay-Battelle High School and a 2009 graduate of West Virginia University School of Business and Economics, majoring in Business Administration/Accounting. Following graduation from West Virginia University, Robbie continued his education at the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science where he graduated in January of 2012.
Robbie has been blessed abundantly with his wife since June 2010, Leslie (Bolyard) Eddy. Together they have been given the gift of two beautiful children: Braxton, born in June 2013, and Reese, born in March 2017.
Robbie enjoys working with families to meet their unique needs. Since high school, Robbie has worked in funeral service in some capacity and feels he has found his calling.
William B. "Bill" McCulla, IV graduated from Morgantown High School and continued on to West Virginia University. Upon completion of his education he moved to Pittsburgh to complete mortuary school at the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. Bill graduated with honors in 1977.
Bill has lived in Westover his entire life. He enjoys helping the community that helped make him who he is today. The people of Westover have been so good to support him and his business.
The Lord has blessed Bill with a supportive wife, Marci (Eddy) McCulla and two beautiful daughters: Megan McCulla and her husband Lucas and Kate McCulla Slaughter and her husband Larkin. Bill & Marci enjoy spending time with their three wonderful grandchildren: Charlie and Elizabeth McCulla and Shep Slaughter.