Mary Ann McCullen Foster

Mary Ann McCullen Foster, 71, of Hoschton, Georgia, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025. She was born in Amory, Mississippi on December 25, 1953, and was the daughter of Ira B. McCullen Jr. and Faith Palmerlee McCullen. Mary Ann was a1971 graduate of Amory High School. She was a 1975 graduate of Mississippi University for Women (formerly MSCW) where she was also a member of Lockheart and Blacklist. Upon graduating from college, Mary Ann taught in the Natchez School System from 1975–1977.

In 1978, Ms. McCullen (at the time) enlisted in the United States Navy. She attended Officer Candidate’s School and Naval Post Graduate School. Mary Ann was fortunate to serve in a variety of prestigious postings during a 20-year military career. She served in the War Plans Department at Pearl Harbor. She served with the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Pentagon assisting with Strategic Arms Reduction Talks. From 1989 – 1990, she was a Fellow at Harvard University’s College of International Affairs. From 1990 – 1993, Mary Ann served as second in command at the Mayport, Florida Naval Base. 

Following her posting at Mayport, Mary Ann served as the Assistant Branch Head for Naval Assignments in Washington DC. During this time, she was also a Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute for Technology. She finished her Naval career by serving as the Commanding Officer at the Pascagoula Naval Base. Soon after retiring from the Navy, Mary Ann would marry Donald Foster. They originally made their home in Pascagoula before moving to Blairsville, Georgia. They spent time at a vacation home in New York and at a family cabin on Lake Huron in Cedarville, Michigan.

 Mary Ann McCullen Foster was loved and respected by family, friends, those she served with, and those who served under her command. She leaves a legacy of humor, perseverance, curiosity, and caring that was matched with an indomitable spirit. “In the end, it’s not the years in the life, it’s the life in the years” – Abraham Lincoln.

 Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents Ira and Faith McCullen and her husband Donald Foster. She is survived by her siblings Faith Palmerlee (Pam) Williams, Ira B. (Top) McCullen III (Kathy), and Amy McCullen Smith (Jim). She is also survived by a plethora of very loving nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. 

The family will host a visitation at the E.E. Pickle Funeral Home from 11:00 am until noon on Saturday, January 3, 2026. This will be followed by a brief graveside service at the Amory Historical Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to the Alzheimer’s Association. This may be done online at alz.org/donate or by mail at P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC, 20090-6011.