Joan Louise Must McCullough was one of two children born to Ernest and Sarah Pearl Hamilton Must. She was born Oct. 8, 1943 in Lafayette, La.

She graduated from Lafayette High School, class of 1961. She attended USL (now ULL) and enjoyed spending time at the Baptist Student Union. It was here she met the man she would spend her life with, Charley Everett McCullough. They were married in 1963 at Northside Baptist. 

Together they welcomed two daughters, Laurie and Amy,  while living in Pennsylvania. Their home church was Lakeside Baptist church in McMurray. Flower arranging was a favorite pastime and she was a member and president of the Giant Oaks Garden Club, also in McMurray. She was a beloved Girl Scout leader who was dedicated to teaching fun songs and building character and confidence in her troop.

She is best remembered for her tight squeezes, love of games, shopping, butterflies, vividly wild imagination, sweet tooth and stubbornness. Nothing was more important to her than family. 

In her later years, she enjoyed chatting with her fellow residents of the nursing home, playing bingo, sweet treats (especially Sarris’ chocolate covered pretzels) and living close enough to family that she could be loved on constantly. 

She was welcomed into Heaven, Wednesday, March 20, 2024 by her beloved husband, Charley; parents, Ernie and Sarah; sister-in-law, Yvonne McCullough, and brother-in-law, Bobby Martin.

Those left to cherish her memory are two daughters, Laurie McCullough and Amy (Allen) Greene; grandchildren, Charley Champagne, Devan (Parker) Bush, Bethany Greene and fiancé, Josh Benoit, Hayley Greene and partner, Logan Breaux; one brother, Jack (Rose) Must; nieces and nephews, Eric (Meles) Must, Cory (Tracy) Must, Cindy McCullough, John (Trina) McCullough, Ronnie (Christine) Martin, and Greg (Cheri) Martin; brother in-law, David McCullough, and sister-in-law, Glynn Martin.

She lived life unapologetically and loved all the colors God created.  Her family invites you to wear colorful attire to honor her vivid personality and the beauty  of God’s world.   

Graveside services led by Paul Pettefer to be held Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at Maxie Cemetery in Maxie, La. beginning at 3 p.m. Her family wants to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of The Guardian House for the quality of care and love she received.