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rankie Woods-McCullough devoted her life to the betterment of Gary, Indiana. A trailblazer in education and civic leadership, she broke barriers as one of the first Black women to hold public office in the city and set a precedent for servant leadership rooted in faith, perseverance, and community pride.

Born and raised in Gary, she was educated in the city’s public schools and went on to serve as an educator herself—pouring wisdom and compassion into every child she encountered. Her commitment to justice and equality led her to advocate not just for access to education but for excellence in it.

Beyond the Classroom

Her impact extended far beyond the walls of any single school. Frankie Woods-McCullough was a fierce champion for Gary’s youth, ensuring that generations of students saw education not merely as a requirement but as a path to dignity and opportunity. She was known for her tenacity and her ability to rally others to believe that Gary’s best days could still lie ahead.

Her civic engagement included active participation in organizations that shaped the social and political fabric of the city. Whether she was mentoring young people, speaking truth to power, or volunteering in her church, she led with an unmistakable sense of purpose.

A School In Her Name

Today, her name graces the Frankie Woods-McCullough Academy for Girls, a public K–5 school in Gary that continues her mission of educational empowerment. Ranked among Indiana’s charter academies, the school stands as a living tribute to her belief that when you educate a girl, you uplift a community.

From the bright murals in its hallways to the academic achievements of its students, the academy reflects McCullough’s lifelong philosophy: that discipline, excellence, and love are the foundation of true learning.

She believed education was more than books–it was the key to unlocking the power within every child.

An Enduring Standard

Frankie Woods-McCullough’s passing left a void, but her legacy continues to guide Gary’s educators, leaders, and citizens. Her life is a reminder that greatness is not measured by titles, but by the generations transformed through one woman’s steady hand and steadfast heart.

In a city forged by steel and strengthened by spirit, Frankie Woods-McCullough’s name endures as both a call and a compass—to serve, to uplift, and to believe in the boundless potential of Gary’s children.