Cherri Lee McCullough, 77 of Taylorville, passed away on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at Springfield Memorial Hospital.  She was born on December 28, 1947, in Joliet, the daughter of Charles William Peet Sr. and Eileen D. (Naughter) Peet.  She married Gary McCullough in July of 1970, and they divorced in 1994. After graduating from Eastern Illinois University with her bachelor's degree in education she worked as an elementary school teacher in Taylorville from 1969 until 1996, starting at Memorial School and finishing her teaching career at South Elementary School. While teaching full time she went back to school to fulfill a lifelong dream of becoming a paramedic working both at McClure and Dunn’s Ambulance Services for several years. After retiring from teaching, Cherri worked at Kennedy Metal Products for over 16 years until her retirement. 

Cherri had a special place in her heart for animals of all types.  She volunteered at several area shelters and was a founding member of the W.I.L.D. organization in Springfield.  She took pride in working with her dog, Paxton, doing scent work and dock diving.  Horses also were special to Cherri; she enjoyed riding and was a proud horse owner.  Additionally, she enjoyed spending time working in her yard, mowing and tending to the landscape.  Cherri was a talented musician sharing her talents in area nursing homes and playing in several different praise bands over the years.  One of her proudest moments came in 2010 when she selflessly donated a kidney to a friend in need.  Her friends and family will miss her quick wit and funny sense of humor.

She is survived by her children: Jacki Slightom of Smithton, Kristi McTaggart (Stan) of Pawnee, and Tad McCullough (Kara) of Taylorville; grandchildren:  Davis McTaggart, Mae McTaggart, Averi McCullough, and Alyvia McCullough; brother: Charles Peet Jr. of Scottsdale, Arizona; and her 3 dogs: Paxton, Pumpkin, and Dominik. She was preceded in death by her parents.

In accordance with her wishes, Cherri’s body will be donated to scientific research. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. The family would love for any memorial donations made in honor of Cherri to go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Gift of Hope or any area animal shelter.  McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.