Shirley Cullum

Shirley Bonner Cullum, 84, of Columbus, MS, passed away at home on April 2, 2026, surrounded by loving family.

Visitation will be Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 1:30 P.M. to 2:30 P.M. at Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS. Memorial Service will be Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 2:30 P.M. at Lowndes Funeral Home, with Rev. Gene Bramlett officiating. Lowndes Funeral Home is entrusted with all arrangements.

Shirley was born June 24, 1941, in Clarke County, MS, to the late O.C. and Annie Marie Richardson. In addition to her parents, Shirley is preceded in death by her husband of 14 years, David M. Bonner, Sr., and her husband of 50 years, Max Cullum; her daughters, Susan Gore; her sister, Alice Janet Roberson; and her bonus mom, Katherine Richardson.

Shirley is survived by her sons, David (Bentley) Bonner and Craig Cullum; her daughters, Janet (Dan) Horton and Connie (Tony) Jackson; her sisters, Doris Galbraith and Nelda (Walter Lee) Hurst; her grandchildren, David Horton (Jessica), Lauren Horton (Smith), Caleb Horton, Braxton Cullum, Tyler Carter, Christopher Carter, Nick Carter (Griselda), Thomas Jackson, Olivia Bonner, Chelsea Bonner, and Max Gore; her great-grandchild, Athena Cullum; her son-in-law, Joseph “Beau” Gore; and her granddaughter in love, Jamie Horton.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Rev. Gene Bramlett of Grace United Methodist Church for his continuous support, and to Baptist Hospice- especially Dallas, Wesleigh, Daria, Will, and Barbara for their compassionate care.

Shirley’s life was a quiet but powerful testimony of faith, service, and love for others. For more than 65 years, Shirley was a devoted member of the United Methodist Church, a community that shaped her life. Alongside her first husband, David Bonner, Sr., a United Methodist minister, she faithfully served congregations across Mississippi and Indiana. Together, they built not only churches but lasting relationships rooted in compassion and shared purpose. She continued to serve the church and numerous community outreach organizations hand-in-hand with Max Cullum, her husband of more than 50 years.

Shirley was actively involved in mission work, including a meaningful mission trip to Chile, where she shared both her faith and compassion with those in need. Closer to home, she volunteered her time and talents, generously serving as a speaker and pianist at Golden Age Nursing Home in Greenwood, bringing joy and comfort through music and fellowship. She also gave of herself at Trinity Place in Columbus, supported the BackPack ministry at First Methodist, MUW Wesley Foundation, and worked with Loaves and Fishes, and was a devoted member of the United Methodist Women. A woman of prayer, Shirley was a founding member of prayer ministries in several churches, offering comfort, strength, and hope to many. She remained devoted to this calling throughout her life, continuing to pray for others faithfully until her passing.

Shirley’s life was marked by humility, kindness, and unwavering dedication to serving God and her community. She leaves behind a legacy of faith in action- a life well lived in service to others, and a spirit that will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, PO Box 9245, Columbus, MS 39705.