In Loving Memory of Andrea McCullough June 25, 1970 – May 28, 2026

Andrea McCullough, a revered community advocate, selfless confidante, and true Tacoma legend, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of profound generosity and systemic impact.

Born on June 25, 1970, Andrea dedicated her life to being a fierce, unwavering voice for the marginalized. She became a familiar and powerful presence at Pierce County City Council meetings, where she passionately advocated for affordable housing and demanded adequate living conditions for those experiencing homelessness. Recognizing the immense barriers faced by justice-involved individuals, Andrea fought tirelessly to secure stable housing for felons, believing firmly that everyone deserved a safe place to call home and a fair second chance.

Beyond her public advocacy, Andrea brought an unforgettable vibrance to the streets of Tacoma. She had a deep love for old-school music and classic cars equipped with booming sound systems. You always knew Andrea was on her way because you could hear her favorite tracks rattling the block long before she actually arrived. She brought a beautiful, magnetic energy whenever she pulled up, making her presence instantly known and celebrated. Now, every time a classic car rolls by bumping loud music, her loved ones will smile and remember the joy and rhythm she brought into their lives.

Andrea’s personal generosity knew no bounds. She walked through life with an open heart and open hands, giving freely to anyone she saw in need. If she crossed paths with someone struggling, she would gladly give them her last dollar or the shirt off her back without a second thought. Her radical kindness and deep empathy transformed the lives of countless individuals on the streets of Tacoma. Even after leaving her beloved family behind, Andrea’s spirit of giving lived on; through an unintentional enrollment as an organ donor, her passing ultimately gave the gift of life and hope to others.

Andrea was greeted in eternity by her beloved parents, Leonora McCullough and James McCullough; her brothers, James McCullough and Jacob McCullough; and her cherished granddaughter, Amaria Waller.

Her beautiful legacy will be carried on by her father, Wiley Saunders; her stepmother, Jackie McCullough; and her children, Sylvia Asia McCullough, Detra Darden, Amanda, Darden, Jasmine Darden, Lauren Moore, Jiovonni Thierry, and William Aponte.

She is also survived by her sisters, Patricia Darden (husband Fred Darden), Mujaahidah Sayfullah, and Terra McCullough (husband Sean); and her beloved grandchildren, Titus Artison "64or", Timothy McCullough, Josiah McCullough, Mecca McCullough, Moriah McCullough, MyHolli McCullough, Amir Waller, Asim Waller, Asad McCullough, Amari McCullough, and Amethyst McCullough.

Andrea will also be dearly missed by her nieces and nephews, Freddie Darden, Rico Carpenter, Briana Geter, Alaric Carter-McCullough, Romello Love, Nehemiah McCullough, Malachi McCullough, Amiah McCullough, Ariah McCullough and Zachariah McCullough; her great-nieces and nephews, Jordan Carpenter, Layla Carpenter, John Geter, Azanah Acoy, Azriel Acoy, Freddie Darden, Fredrick Darden, Avery Darden, Danesha, Heaven, Derrick, Aurora McCullough, and Ahsan McCullough; and her great-great-niece and nephew, Cecilia and Theo. She also leaves behind a host of extended family, close friends, and the entire Tacoma community that she loved so fiercely.

Andrea was deeply loved across the region. Her loss leaves a massive void, but her spirit lives on in the housing initiatives she championed and the beautiful noise she made in the world. She will be missed dearly, but her impact as a genuine hometown champion will never be forgotten.