OUR HISTORY - THE FOUNDER:

McCullough “Mac” Williams Jr. founded the McCullough Williams Funeral Home in Youngstown, Ohio January 27, 1952. He attended Ohio State University and graduated from The Cleveland College of Mortuary Science becoming a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. In 2002, he received an Honorary Doctor of Humanities from Youngstown State University, where there is a scholarship named in his honor.

Throughout his distinguished career as an entrepreneur, Mr. Williams was also in the forefront of the African American community at the local and state levels and dedicated his energy and considerable political skills to improving life for the Black citizens of the Youngstown-Warren area.

In 1976, “Mac” opened another funeral home in Warren. The business name was changed in 1983 to Sterling-McCullough Williams Funeral Homes to reflect the partnership with Mr. Williams’s son, Sterling, who joined the business.

Mr. Williams’ achievements include: 12th among 20 of the most influential Mahoning Valley Citizens of the 20th Century, nominated Man Of The Year by Youngstown State University, honored for is political prowess, dedication and achievements by the Youngstown Democratic Party, other accolades are too numerous to mention in this profile.

He served as President of the Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors of Ohio, President of the Board of Education, and National Parliamentarians Association, just to name a few.

Mr. Williams served his community with professionalism and caring until the Lord called him home October 29, 2004.

He leaves to carry on his legacy, wife, Juanita F. Williams,  son, Atty. McCullough Williams III and twins, Crystal Ann and Sterling A. Williams.

STERLING A. WILLIAMS received a BA degree from Miami University (Ohio) and a Masters degree from Kent State University and became a Licensed Funeral Director in 1980.

In 1983, Sterling joined his dad in business, running the Warren office, but in 2000 he became owner/operator of Sterling-McCullough Williams Funeral Homes (Youngstown-Warren). As a young entrepreneur, he owns Twin Realty, Loving Memories Monument Service, Tax Master Accounting Service and is involved in several partnerships.

As an active member of the community, Sterling belongs to St. James C.O.G.I.C., King Solomon Lodge #87, Roberts Deliberating Club, Youngstown State University Penguin Club and Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana Funeral Directors Association, just to name a few.

He is married to the former Kimberly Moore and is the proud father of Tyler B. and Lauren A. Williams.

CRYSTAL ANN WILLIAMS (COSTA) has been working as a business woman for over 20 years. Her success in her career should be of no surprise because she spent her whole life raised in a family business. Crystal started out her career as the Managing Editor of The Buckeye Review (the oldest minority weekly publication) where she worked for 12 years.

Ms. Williams became a Licensed Funeral Director in 1988, joining her twin brother and father in the family business. She currently serves as CFO for the Sterling-McCullough Williams Funeral Homes and is also in charge of the Pre-Needs, Loving Memories Monument Service, and other businesses run through the funeral homes.

Crystal’s volunteer work includes but is not limited to career day at area public schools, motivational speaking, and time spent with senior citizens. She is a life member of the NAACP, the African American Leadership Council, Book Lovers Unite, Alpha Phi Alpha Wives & Widows Association, Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana Funeral Directors Association and Mt. Calvary Baptist Church.

She is married to Malcolm J. Costa and the proud mother of 2 children, Jeremiah and Dr. Cryshanna Jackson and 3 stepchildren, Mrs. Treschelle Kendrick, Marier Costa and Mrs. Tara Martin.

SCHOLARSHIP: Contributions can be made to Youngstown State University, 632 Belmont Avenue, Youngstown, OH  44502, write McCullough Williams Jr. Scholarship in Memo of check. Two scholarships are rewarded every year.