Sandra Jean Cullop Obituary
Sandra Jean Cullop, nee Jones, 73, passed away on May 10, 2021. Born in Norfolk, VA on August 20, 1947, she was the daughter of the late John Henry Jones and Ruth Irene Jones, nee Taylor. She was predeceased by her loving Husband, Walter James (Jim) Cullop as well as two siblings, several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Known affectionately to family and friends as "Sandi", she graduated from Maury High School in Norfolk and, after a career spanning over twenty-years in Civil Service, retired from her employment at the Norfolk Naval Base following the passing of her husband. Although she lived the majority of her life in the city to which she was born, Sandi also resided in Virginia Beach, VA, Syracuse, NY, Chesterfield, VA, Petersburg, VA and New Orleans, LA.
Those who knew Sandi well are aware of her life-long battle with diabetes. Despite the disease, she was able to live a full and happy life. In February of this year, it was confirmed that she had metastatic lung cancer. Because of complications associated with her diabetes, Sandi's body was unable to ward off the cancer for long. At the time of her passing, Sandi was in the loving care of the owner/operator of Sheila's Place in Virginia Beach, VA. It should come as some comfort, for those that loved her, to know that she passed quietly in her sleep with a smile on her face.
She is survived by her first-born daughter, Dawn Marie Cullop of Norfolk; granddaughter, Brandi Renee Barden (Cullop); grand-son-in-law, Michael Barden and great-grandson, Lucas James Barden of Chesapeake, second-born daughter and best-friend, Deborah Anne "Debe" Cullop & son-in-law, Donald Ray "Donnie" Davis, Jr. of Ivor, VA and her devoted grandson, Wesley Marquis Digma of Norfolk, VA.
With her passing, Sandi leaves behind a steadfast and loyal sister and brother-in-law, Katherine Lynn Hubert (Jones) and Leo "Bud" Hubert – both of whom devoted so much love and time assisting with her care over the last year; nieces Katherine "Kat" Cox (Hubert) and Michelle Matusiak (Hubert) and their spouses and children. Her sister-in-law, Lani Krueger, will miss the Mexican Dinner nights that she shared with Sandi. Seth "Beetle" Bailey, her cousin-in-law, will never be able to say "Baby Cakes" without thinking of her with a smile.
After her time in New Orleans, Sandi became a big believer in not mourning one's death, but in celebrating their life. She often said that "if people can't show up to live life with me, then I don't want them around after I'm gone to act like they miss me". In keeping with that belief and in honor of her final wish, Debe and Wesley have elected to forgo any type of service or memorial. Those who wish to celebrate Sandra Jean Cullop's life may do so in any manner that they see fit. Because there will be no service, in lieu of flowers, they ask that donations be made to reputable charities involving Diabetes and Cancer related research and care.
Sandi will be cremated and her urn will sit beside her husbands under the protection of the grandson that loved them both so much and whom they cherished in return.
