September 18 marks what would have been Pamela McCullough McEwen’s birthday. As we reminisced about the wonderful times we shared honoring Pam, we wanted to convey a heartfelt story.
Former Foundation Board Member Susie Larson shared her personal reflection from Pam’s Celebration of Life in 2017. Her story beautifully highlights Pam’s impact and our collective bond.
Susie also shared her image, shown above, she took that day alongside other members who joined her for Pam’s service.
Honoring Pamela McCullough McEwen
“During Pam’s service, sisters from all corners of the country gathered to celebrate her remarkable life and her dedication to Omega Phi Alpha National Service Sorority. With their warmth and kindness, the McCullough family handed each of us a yellow rose, symbolizing Pam’s spirit and our connection to her.
The funeral staff graciously escorted us to our reserved seats, demonstrating how much the McCullough family valued our presence. I remember thinking we should be ready to sing “Rose, Rose, Rose, Yellow Rose…” but this was the first time many of us had assembled in such a setting to honor our beloved Pam.
As I reflected on the sisters we’ve lost over the years, I realized that we should establish a new ritual to honor each one with similar reverence. Then National President Jan Titsworth’s heartfelt tribute to Pam’s immense loss resonated deeply with us all.
After the service, we gathered in the garden, holding our yellow roses, and attempted to sing the National Song. It was, admittedly, the saddest rendition I’ve ever experienced.
Despite our best efforts, we couldn’t finish the chant.
A former colleague of Pam’s approached us afterward, deeply moved by our gathering. He was astonished to learn that we had traveled from places like Atlanta, Arizona, Chattanooga, Dallas, Lebanon, and Old Hickory to honor Pam. I invited him to join us at O’Charley’s for brunch, a spot Pam and I often visited. His reaction, “Wow! For all of you to come together, Pam must have done a lot,” reflected the profound love we all felt for her and for OPhiA.
“I’d also like to highlight the creation of the Pamela McCullough McEwen Scholarship. In 1995, at the Convention at Georgia Tech, Ginger McGarity and Leann Williams proposed a scholarship program to give back to the sisters who had contributed so much to Omega Phi Alpha. This proposal, which passed overwhelmingly, marked the beginning of a significant initiative. With the help of Legal Advisor Kay Kress, Pam McEwen, and others, the program evolved into a tax-exempt entity, allowing us to support our sisters through scholarships. In 2019, we renamed the scholarship in Pam’s honor to acknowledge her crucial role in its establishment.”
Thank you for joining us in remembering Pam and celebrating her enduring legacy.
As we remember her this year, please join in singing the National Song on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 4pm ET.
To honor Pam McCullough McEwen’s birthday, please consider making a tax-deductible gift to the Omega Phi Alpha Foundation at https://www.opaportal.org/headquarters/campaign.php?id=67.