Terrence Joseph Cullen

Terrence Joseph Cullen, age 77, passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2025 at St. Oaks Care Center in Carriere, Mississippi. 

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Bernadette Burlett Cullen and their three children: Joseph F. Williamson (Wendy), Robert Kevin Williamson (Kimberly), and Bridgette M. Williamson (Kerry). He is also survived by five grandchildren: Courtney L. Thornhill (Kevin), Meghan G. Hennessey (Matthew), Lance Corporal Cullen J. Williamson (USMC), Kade Williamson, Merrin F. Williamson and two great grandchildren: Savannah and Joel. 

He was predeceased by his parents, John Cullen, Jr. and Yvonne Monju Cullen, his two brothers: John and Paul Michael Cullen and his brother-in-law: Stephen Abernathy, Sr. 

He is survived by his sister, Kathleen C. Abernathy and sisters-in-law, Valerie Martin and Mary Francis Windmeyer.

Terry, “TC” to many and “Pops” to his family, was an exceptional, witty and grammatically-correct man who grew up in Gentilly, where he spent many days playing baseball with his childhood and lifelong friends. This love for baseball inspired his favorite bucket list item by taking in a game at the ballpark of all 30 Major League Baseball teams, as he completed this task in 2023 with family by his side. His love for sports also allowed him to share announcing New Orleans area high school football games with his two sons and nephew, Gerald.

Terry took great pride in his professional careers as a psychiatric nurse and high school educator, most significantly at Redeemer High School in New Orleans. His influence at Redeemer as a teacher, coach and administrator shaped the lives of literally thousands of young adults. He was a passionate, caring and understanding role model that positively impacted those around him, while always self-admitting that his students equally impacted himself. Redeemer High’s students and his fellow faculty members always held a special place in his heart.

On his personal side, his childhood love for baseball and music were known to all, the latter of which was heard loudly by many, and often. As these loves developed, he worked behind the scenes at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in its early years and, unbeknownst to some, he also spent time as a young roadie for “Vince Vance and the Valiants,” who was headlined by his best friend, Jim. However, baseball never took a backseat. He loved Pee Wee Reese and the Dodgers, until later in life when he proclaimed he “traded himself to the Cardinals” due to the signing of a player not to be named. Simply put: he despised the Yankees. His true baseball love was research and analyzing statistics the way that only fanatical baseball buffs can comprehend.

With all of his accomplishments, Terry’s greatest impact in life was his success as an instant father of three. What started out as, “Mr. Cullen,” quickly transitioned to Terry, TC, Tboy and his favorite: Pops. His affection, care, and love perfectly balanced his thoughtful advice while teaching his children respect for others, personal accountability and being good people. Most importantly, their success in life, marriage, parenthood, and careers is a testament to his sacrifice and commitment to family.

His greatest love, however, and his basis for his happiness, centered on his beautiful bride. He constantly professed his love for his Bernadette and gave credit to God for bringing them together. His relationship was a true testament to the Sacrament of Marriage. Their happy union built an extended loving family that he was proud of, as well as several dozen nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friendships. The family is especially thankful to Deaconess Home Hospice, Merit Wesley Senior Behavioral Health, Notre Dame Hospice, and St Oaks Care Center who lovingly cared for him during the last two months of his battle with Alzheimer’s.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at St. Rose De Lima in Bay St Louis. Visitation will begin at 8:00 a.m. and last until Mass. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in New Orleans. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to the Waveland Public Library (345 Coleman Ave, Waveland, MS 39576) or the Bay St Louis Little Theater (398 Blaize Ave, Bay St Louis, MS 39520. 

Edmond Fahey Funeral Home in Bay St Louis is in charge of arrangements.