Cullen Lanier Dubose finished the last chapter of his life on November 13, 2022 in Lansing, Michigan. He was born July 5, 1935 to the parentage of Howard and Shoffie Dubose in Moss Point, Mississippi.

Cullen was educated in the segregated public schools of Moss Point. Cullen began his Christian journey while worshiping at First Baptist Church. He attended Magnolia High School in Moss Point where he excelled academically and athletically. Following graduation, Cullen entered Tougaloo College where he attended for two years. While at Tougaloo, Cullen became a member of Omega Psi Pi Fraternity. Due to the Jim Crow laws for the state of Mississippi, Cullen was forced to finish his engineering studies at Trine University in Angola, Indiana. While at Trine University, Cullen earned a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering in 1958. Cullen later attended graduate school at Michigan State University in Housing and Finance. Always a strong proponent of continuous education, Cullen was a professionally licensed contractor, real estate broker, and certified property manager.

Following the completion of his studies, on March 31, 1960 Cullen married Helena Joyce of Pascagoula, Mississippi. Cullen and Helena moved to Lansing, Michigan where they made their home for over 62-years. Cullen and Helena would have three children - Cheri, Cullen Lanier II, and Freddie. While in Lansing, Cullen and the family became affiliated with Trinity A.M.E Church. As a longtime member of Trinity A.M.E, he donated his time, talents, and treasures to the Church where he faithfully served in many capacities.

Cullen began his professional career with the Michigan Department of Transportation as a Bridge Design Engineer, Civil Engineer, and Structure Draftsman. In 1969, he moved to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, where he was employed as a Civil Engineer, supervising the operation of several developments. Over an eight-year term, Cullen was promoted many times. He became Deputy Director of Statewide Inner-City Rehabilitation, Director of Construction Division, Director of Management and Marketing, and Director of the Lansing Field Office. Cullen was responsible for managing multi-million-dollar projects and monitored all operations of multi-family housing financed by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.

In 1977, Cullen founded Painia Development Corporation, where he was the Chief Executive Officer. With offices in Lansing and Detroit, Painia developed and managed multi-family housing in Michigan (over fifteen developments with 2,200 separate units). His developments are throughout the Michigan area: in Detroit, Coldwater, Gaylord, Dewitt, Sturgis, Alma, and Lansing. Many of his developments provide homes for low income or elderly citizens. Cullen's father and older brothers instilled within him an entrepreneurial spirit and consequently, Cullen also owned and operated manufacturing facilities, commercial properties, retail outlets and radio stations. His entrepreneurial activities represent one facet of the many ways he provided uplift to the community.

Cullen was nationally recognized as a civil engineer and businessperson by many organizations and publications, including: Business Week, Detroit News, Reader's Digest, National Civic Review, Housing Market Opportunities, Lansing State Journal, and The HistoryMakers. Cullen previously served on the boards of Tougaloo College, Michigan Economic Growth Authority, National City Community Development Corporation, Michigan Multi-Cities CDA, Michigan Housing Council, Detroit Investment Fund Committee, Michigan Business Development Council, Perfection Fabrication, Diamond Broadcasters, the African American Association of Builders and Contractors, Lansing Civic Center, Lansing Model Cities, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Lansing and the University Cultural Center Association.

In the 1960s and the 1970s, Cullen was the Chairman of the Lansing NAACP Housing Commission Committee. In this role, he was instrumental in obtaining relocation benefits for those families that were displaced due to the construction of interstate I-496. Additionally, Cullen was actively involved in the Non-Partisan Voters League which was responsible for increased employment of African Americans in Lansing City government.  Specifically, they were responsible for the hiring of the first African American fireman and the second clerical assistant.

Cullen received numerous business and civic honors, including the NAACP Citizens Award, Omega Psi Pi Fraternity Citizens / MSU Founders Awards, BusinessMakers of the HistoryMakers, and the Tougaloo College Honorary Doctorate Degree Recipient. Cullen is a lifetime member of the NAACP and Omega Psi Pi Fraternity. He was also a member of Alpha Chi Boule of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity and the Detroit chapter of the National Association of Guardsmen.

One of Cullen's greatest humanitarian commitments was to Tougaloo College. Cullen served as the Vice Chair of Physical Resources and Economic Development during his time on the Board. His guidance was invaluable. While Cullen served on the board, Tougaloo constructed and named a building in honor of esteemed Congressman Bennie G. Thompson, restored the historical chapel, and completed a new women's dormitory. Tougaloo College held a special place in his heart and Cullen was known to speak with his voice and his checkbook.

While Cullen's educational, professional, and civic resumes are extensive, it was his love and support of his wife, family, and friends that best encapsulate the true measure of the man. With all his successes and accolades, he never hesitated to meet a need or extend a helping hand to a myriad of relatives and close friends. A hand up, never a handout – this was an important distinction to Cullen, and anyone on the receiving end of his assistance knew that he was first going to pontificate on the errors they had made and how to correct those errors going forward. His love and care for his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, contributed to the work ethic he helped to instill in them. The pearls of wisdom he imparted on each of them, are reflected in who they have become. They are his greatest legacy.

Cullen was preceded in death by: his parents, Howard and Shoffie DuBose; nine siblings, Charlene DuBose Williams, Lawrence DuBose, Barnceal DuBose Jones, Milford Dubose, Willie Howard DuBose, Espernola DuBose Bell, Robert Carl DuBose, Norris DuBose, and Kirk DuBose; and his son, Cullen Lanier DuBose II.

Cullen is survived by: his spouse, Helena Dubose of Okemos, Michigan; sister-in-laws, Daisy DuBose and Bea Dubose of Maryland; daughter, Cheri Dubose Reid (Al Reid) of Northbrook, Illinois; son, Freddie DuBose (Briana DuBose) of Beverly Hills, Michigan; four grandchildren, Ariel Reid, Christopher Reid, Aaron DuBose, and Erika DuBose; and multiple nieces and nephews, host of cousins, other relatives, and numerous friends.

The arrangements for Mr. Dubose are as follows:

To watch the livestream of Mr. Dubose Funeral Service, please click the following: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=ChhDvPXl77w