Obituaries

Elizabeth “Patty” (Pernell) McCullough, 87, of Mt. Clare passed away on Thursday, February 21, 2019 at her residence.

She was born in Clarksburg, WV on August 29, 1931, a daughter of the late Bernard O. and Mary Kirby Pernell.

She was married to George “Skip” McCullough in 1960, who preceded her in death in 1994.

Surviving are two sons, Daniel Kane and his wife Rose Mary of Mausby Cove, and Bruce McCullough of Walnut Hill, one daughter, Allison McCullough of Walnut Hill; one grandson, Daniel “Murphy” Kane and his wife Erin of Cheat Lake; one granddaughter, Ashleigh Magee of Fairmont; and one great grandson, Scott Lewis Kane.

She was also preceded in death by one brother, Bernard “Bud” Pernell; one aunt, Betty Moore Swartz; and her longtime companion, David Goldsmith.

Patty was a 1949 graduate of Victory High School, where she was Drum Majorette from 1947 – 1949 and was on the reunion committee. She was a former member of the Clarksburg Kennel Club, where she loved showing her dogs. She formed the first Doll & Bear Collector Club in Clarksburg in 1984. She was an avid collector of Character Dolls and Bears.

Patty was a dancer from age 3, but had to give up dancing for 3 years when she suffered from Rheumatic Fever. She resumed dancing at age 14 and appeared in many talent shows and was featured in many productions while in high school. She was a member of the Sam Devono Variety Show and a professional dancer with a studio in Warren, Illinois for 2 years. Upon returning to Clarksburg, she taught dancing in Grafton, Bridgeport and Clarksburg, as well as baton twirling and formed the Y.W.C.A. Jet Set Twirlers. She and her daughter attended Dance & Student Workshops in Ohio and South Carolina where they studied under the Danny Hoctor Studio in New York. She and her daughter were certified Aerobic Instructors, and Patty held classes at the Y.W.C.A., Y.M.C.A. and the Senior Citizens Center in Clarksburg. Patty introduced Country & Polka Aerobics while at the Senior Center and formed a group of Senior Dancers called “Over the Rainbow” which performed at nursing homes and for various women’s clubs in Clarksburg. She retired in 2000 after teaching for 39 years.

Patty rescued many dogs and cats, and especially loved a Siamese she rescued in 1994 when he was 3 months old. He loved her granddaughter and was called Ki Ki by Ashleigh. She loved animals and never mistreated them. For 70 years she enjoyed her special gift of playing the piano and often sang songs with her good friend Charlie Freeman.
Patty was a member of Quiet Dell United Methodist Church, where she and her brother, Bud, accepted Christ and became born again Christians.

Family and friends may call at the Amos Carvelli Funeral Home, 201 Edison Street, Nutter Fort on Monday, February 25, 2019 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, where funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm with Reverend George Bramble will officiate. Entombment will be in the Floral Hills Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Harrison County Humane Society, 2450 Saltwell Road, Shinnston, WV 26431.

Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family at www.amoscarvelli.com. A service of Amos Carvelli Funeral Home.