Bobbie Gean (Betts) McCullough

Bobbie McCullough, 75, of Kansas City, Kansas, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025. Bobbie was born on August 14th, 1949, in Clarendon, Arkansas.

Bobbie met and married her childhood sweetheart, Verlee McCullough from Clarendon, AR She was the epitome of a loving and devoted wife. Bobbie and her love relocated to Chicago, Illinois, before finding their forever home here in Kansas City, KS. Together, they built their dynasty of 14 children, 57 grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Bobbie was also adored for being a Mother to the Motherless.

She was a devoted wife and loving mother. Her primary focus and joy was being the caregiver for her family. She was known for her patience, unwavering support, and ability to create a loving and nurturing home environment. She was a constant source of strength and comfort for her children, grandchildren, friends and others.

Though Bobbie put her family above everything, she let it be known that God came first in her life.  Bobbie gave her life to Christ at a young age. Her strong faith was a pillar of her strength. Her unwavering faith and dedication to Christ inspired many. Bobbie created and managed her own youth singing group for her daughters called “The McCullough Humming Birds.” Bobbie led “The McCullough Hummingbirds” to travel and perform at many churches around the Kansas City area. Bobbie also assisted with “The Sunshine Band” originating from the “Miracle Temple Church.”

As a grandmother, Bobbie was unparalleled. She had a special way of making each of her grandchildren feel like they were her favorite. She spent countless hours she spent teaching her grandchildren the way of life. Bobbie was adamant about instilling morals, self confidence, and respect into each and last one of them.

Bobbie was also known for her amazing “down South” cooking. Her cooking bought her so much delight.  Everyone couldn’t wait to gather at “Mom’s House” for a good meal. Her passion led to her being the main cook at her sister-in-laws neighborhood restaurant.

Bobbie’s passion for cooking and her generosity knew no bounds. Whether it was cooking at 8pm on a Friday night or taking care of her sick grandchildren. Bobbie always found ways to give back to her family

Bobbie was truly a jack of all trades. She was also a stylist in the first woman-owned African American beauty school in Kansas City, KS created by her sister-in law. Bobbie was known for pressing, curling, and styling natural hair. She had a gift for making clients feel valued and confident. Her passion led her to accept her own clientele from the city at Mrs. J’s Beauty Academy.

Bobbie’s entrepreneurship also led her to open up McCullough Oil Company in 1970; alongside her Husband.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Verlee McCullough, her parents, Leo and Evelyn Betts, her grandsons, Claude Hudson, Leo Johnson, Joshua Wallace, and her sisters JoAnn Betts and Wy Della Betts.

To cherish the memory of her life, she leaves her 14 children, Verlee McCullough ll, Evelyn Rhodes (and husband John), Wanda Hudson-Washington (and Fiancé Shaun), Christopher McCullough, Tracy McCullough, Stacy Stewart, Shelia Brown (and husband Luis), Elbert McCullough, Alverez McCullough, Laronda McCullough, Bobbie Lomax (and husband Dariss), Verlee McCullough lll, Dorolis McCullough, Ashley Lawson (and husband Jerrell), 57 grandchildren; a host of great grandchildren; 11 living siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews, lifelong friends and neighbors.

As we say goodbye to Bobbie, let us remember her infectious smile, her words of wisdom, and the love she shared so freely. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness and compassion that will continue to inspire us all.

Bobbie will be deeply missed, but your spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved you. May you rest in peace.

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