Harriet (McCullough) Locke

This is the story of Harriet McCullough Locke.  Harriet was a wonderful woman of faith who was loved, is missed and will always be cherished.  She was an amazing daughter, sister, niece, aunt, cousin, friend and mentor like no other could be.

Harriet’s story starts on July 24, 1954, the seventh child to Acie Sr. and Mamie McCullough.  She was born in Waynesboro, Georgia, and grew up in Magnolia Acres where she would spend her childhood, make many lifelong friends and attend school.  She was a great dancer, could sing and excelled as MVP in basketball and voted Homecoming Queen. 

After graduating from Waynesboro High School in 1972, Harriet began her career as a paraprofessional in the Burke County School System.  She went on to work for Georgia Power Company from 1979-1994.  Harriet also followed her lifelong passion for hair and beauty by completing cosmetology coursework at Augusta Area Vocational Technical School.  From 1993-2008, “HAIR-RIET’s Beauty Salon was opened as Harriet’s first venture as a business owner and licensed cosmetologist.  In recent years, Harriet enjoyed haircare for seniors—servicing nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the Atlanta area. 

Harriet accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and was baptized at Thomas Grove Baptist Church is Waynesboro.  She later became a member of the New Life Missionary Baptist Church in Mableton, GA. 

Harriet’s volunteer advocacy work focused on child welfare-- instilling hope that dreams can become a reality in challenging environments, the future is bright and possibilities endless.  She was a Junior Girl Scout Leader and went on to create a mentoring program, “The Center for Children & Young Adults, Inc.”   In 2009, the Magnolia Acres Community Empowerment Committee (MACEC) was founded.  Charter members included first families who lived in Magnolia Acres.  Until her untimely death, Harriet served as president and founder of this non-profit organization dedicated to empowering children and youth for success.   She was most proud of MACEC’s “Earn Your Points” program which stimulated students to rack up points and earn rewards for maintaining good grades, making the honor roll or principal’s list, striving for perfect attendance and adhering to good conduct.  Recognizing the need for more black foster families, Harriet completed the screening process and was well on her way to becoming a foster parent.  Gone too soon…. 

Harriet has received numerous awards and recognitions, including The African American Heritage Award in Community Service (2014).  In 2016, she received official correspondence from The White House.  Below is an excerpt from the letter from First Lady Michelle Obama:

“The President and I share your hope and optimism for our shared future, and with that conviction, I encourage you to find new ways to improve your community so we can ensure an even better future for our children.”

Harriet was renowned for her cooking skills. She enjoyed entertaining and cooking for others.  Leisure time was also spent reading, watching movies, gardening, singing, playing tennis and taking early morning walks.    

Loved ones who cleared the path for Harriet and preceded her in death are father Acie McCullough, Sr., mother Mamie McCullough (née Smith), and brother Acie McCullough, Jr. (Betty).  Loved ones who will miss Harriet until they meet again are her siblings:  Christine Allen, Laverne Dukes, Melvin McCullough, Deloris McCullough (Gini), Gary McCullough, Gloria McCullough Wright (Norris), Cassandra McCullough, Latonia McCullough and Andre Harden;  aunts: Ruth Coley and Betty Smith Johnson (Herbert); and former spouse Darryl Locke.  To also cherish her memory, Harriet has a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, special friends and mentees.

Homegoing Celebration Service will be on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, at Phillip Grove Baptist Church, 255 Lovers Lane, Waynesboro, Ga., beginning at 11 am.

Interment services will be held at the Pines Cemetery in Waynesboro, Ga.

Craig R. Tremble Funeral Home, Statesboro Chapel and Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home, West End Chapel are entrusted with the services.

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