Thelvie Cullins, Sr.'s Obituary
Celebrating the Life and Legacy of a God-Fearing Man of Principle
With reverence to Almighty God and gratitude for a life well lived, we honor and celebrate the homegoing of Thelvie Cullins, Sr., a man of unwavering faith, deep integrity, and steadfast character. A loyal husband, devoted father, cherished grandfather, faithful servant, and principled leader, Thelvie’s life bore witness to the Scripture: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)
Thelvie Cullins, Sr. was born on April 14, 1946, to the union of Roosevelt Cullins, Sr. and Irene Cullins in Lewisville, Arkansas. At an early age, he accepted Christ and was baptized at Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Lewisville, Arkansas, where the foundation of his lifelong faith was firmly established.
He received his early education in the Lewisville Public Schools, attending Foster High School, where he distinguished himself as an outstanding student. Despite shouldering family responsibilities that often required him to miss school, Thelvie maintained straight A’s, an early testament to his discipline and determination. He graduated in 1964, having served on the Student Council and as Class President.
Following high school, Thelvie enrolled at Texas College, where his excellence continued to shine. He again served as Class President and was selected as Dr. Jesse Jones’ Chemistry teacher’s assistant, reflecting both his academic strength and trusted character. During this time, he volunteered to tutor a freshman, Mary Frances Jackson, helping her successfully pass Chemistry, an act of service that blossomed into a lifelong love. While at Texas College, he pledged Omega Phi Psi, further shaping his commitment to brotherhood and service.
In 1968, Thelvie graduated from Texas College, earning a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a minor in mathematics. After completing his college education, he honorably answered the call to serve his country in the United States Army, serving two years in Vietnam with courage and dedication.
On December 18, 1970, Thelvie was united in holy matrimony to Mary Frances Jackson, his beloved wife and faithful partner in life. In 1971, following Mary’s graduation from Texas College, the couple moved to Dallas, Texas, where they built a home grounded in faith, love, service, and family.
To their union were born two children: Deedra LaShun Cullins and Thelvie Cullins Jr. Deedra married Darren Hayes, and though she preceded her father in death, Thelvie’s love for Darren endured for his cherished son-in-law. Thelvie Jr.’s wife, Shayla, became a beloved daughter-in-law and treasured member of the family, also.
Thelvie enjoyed a distinguished career spanning more than 40 years in food science, serving with excellence as a product developer, quality control manager, and ultimately retiring as Vice President of Technical Services for CF Chefs. Known as a no-nonsense man of principle, he was widely respected for his integrity, wisdom, and uncompromising standards.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Thelvie was a man of many talents and deep self-reliance. He loved to fish, cherished time spent with his family and firmly believed there was no task he needed to pay someone else to do. If there was a book to read or a YouTube video to watch, Thelvie could and would figure it out himself. His resourcefulness, confidence, and determination were hallmarks of his character and a source of admiration for all who knew him.
Thelvie was a member of Greater Providence Baptist Church, where he served faithfully for nearly 50 years. He was an active member of the Male Chorus, Mass Choir, Sunday School, and Bible Study, and he served for many years as Chairman of the Church Anniversary Committee. His faith was not merely spoken, it was lived.
A prostate cancer survivor, Thelvie later courageously fought Multiple Myeloma for five years. Even as his health declined due to a compromised immune system, his faith never wavered. He trusted God, stood firm, and finished his race with grace.
Thelvie Cullins, Sr. was preceded in death by his parents, Roosevelt and Irene Cullins; his beloved daughter, Deedra LaShun Hayes; six sisters, Clara Washington, Maggie Phillips, Love Haynes, Lucille Cullins, Charlotte Hurst, and Sandra Williams; and two brothers, O. C. Cullins and Roosevelt Cullins Jr.
He leaves to cherish his precious memory: his devoted wife of 55 years, Mary Frances Cullins; his son, Thelvie Cullins Jr. (Shayla); his grandchildren, Zeniya
Cullins, Zavie Cullins, and Zyan Williams-Crain, each of whom he loved dearly and for whom he would have done anything; his son-in-law, Darren Hayes; his siblings, Simon Cullins, Sr. (Houston, TX); Joseph (Shirley) Cullins (Niagara Falls, NY); Helen (Alix) Beaujour (DeSoto, TX); Peter (Linda) Cullins (Arlington, TX); Mildred (Clarence) Pierce (Dallas, TX); Faye Scott (DeSoto, TX); Annetta Cullins (Dallas, TX); and Edward Cullins (Dallas, TX); along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, church family, and dear friends.
A God-fearing man. Faithful. Trustworthy. Generous. Steadfast. A life well lived.
If you would like to honor Thelvie with a gift, please consider donating on his behalf to one of the following organizations:
Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
https://themmrf.org/
Healthwell Foundation
https://www.healthwellfoundation.org/
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