MaryEsther Cullen-Tillman (Newman)
Mary Esther Cullen-Tillman (Newman), 72, of Beaver Falls, was called home to the Lord on May 4th, 2019, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital.
Mary Esther was born April 27th, 1947, to Thomas Cullen and the late Ethel Brinson.
She was a graduate from the Aliquippa School District and went on to receive a degree in cosmetology from the Pittsburgh Beauty Academy. She also studied theology at Hearty and Moody Bible Schools. After years of devoted service, Mary Esther retired from the Beaver County Courthouse where she worked in the prothonotary office. Mary Esther was a longtime member of Tabernacle Baptist Church of Beaver Falls. She was a devoted choir member, missionary and Sunday School Teacher. Her desire to spread God’s word through music led to her involvement in the Lemington Gospel Choir, WAMO Gospel Choir, and Friends of Beaver County Gospel Choir. Mary Esther was passionate about her community. Her voice was a spiritual blessing that could be heard not only in the church but in various community groups. She positively impacted many lives through missionary work, and her passion for the community led to her involvement with the Beaver Valley Service Club. Mary Esther made history when she became the first African American woman appointed president of the Beaver County Lion’s Club. She cherished precious moments spent with family and friends and enjoyed capturing those moments through photography. Not only was Mary Esther a dedicated humanitarian, but she was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend to many. She was loved and will be missed by many.
She was preceded in death by her late husband Walter E. Tillman, sister, Anita Jean Flannigan, and son, Anthony Thomas.
In addition to her father, she is survived by her husband Johnnie Lee Newman. Son: Donald Thomas Jr. Daughter: Maria (Brian) Frasier Sr. Step-Children: Nikki (Maurice) Bell; Jennifer Baumgartel; Stephanie (Joe) Plassmyer; Conrad Newman; Troy (Tanisha) Newman, Chris Jarrett, and Janelle Fielding. Sisters: Valetta Cullen, Sharon Campbell, Margaret Brown, and Sarah Cullen. Brothers: Seth Cullen, Garth Ellis, Ocie Patrick (cousin). Grandchildren: Joel Thomas, Kyleigh Gibson, Kirstie Gibson, Brian Frasier Jr, Mariah Evans, and Peyton Thomas-Frasier. A host of Uncles, Aunts, Step-grandchildren, Great-grandchildren, Nieces, Nephews and Cousins. Devoted friends JoAnn Cox, Lynita Underwood who she loved like a daughter and John Moore who she raised. A visitation and musical tribute will be held on Friday, May 10th from 2pm-8pm at Tabernacle Baptist Church at 630 3rd Ave, Beaver Falls, PA 15010. The celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, May 11th at 11 am in the Big Beaver Falls Area Senior High School LGI/Commons area, 1801 8th Ave, Beaver Falls, PA 15010. Service entrusted to Washington Funeral Home & Cremations 1411 6th Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA, Regina Washington, Supervisor.