McCollough, Lucille H.

Lucille Hanna McCollough was born on December 30, 1905 in White Rock, Michigan to William and Stella Hanna. At a young age she became a teacher for a one-room school near White Rock, and in 1924 moved to Detroit where she acquired a job as a secretary. Shortly following her move to Detroit, she married Clarence McCollough and moved to Fordson (now Dearborn). She remained a resident of Dearborn for 70 years, until her death in March 1996. Lucille McCollough had three children: Clarence Jr., Marilyn (Edwards), and Patrick McCollough.

McCollough's political career started when she joined the McDonald's Elementary School Mother's Club and became active in several homeowners associations. In 1949, at a time when it was difficult for women to hold political office, she was elected to the Dearborn City Council and served for two terms. In 1954 she was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives and served for 28 years. Her son, Patrick, followed in her footsteps, and in 1975 became one of Michigan's youngest senators. Lucille and Patrick McCollough made up the first mother-son legislative team in the United States.

McCollough was incredibly active throughout her career. She served on four committees, including a Chairmanship of the House Education Committee where she sought a way to assume the State's responsibility toward an equal educational opportunity for all students. This effort led to her sponsoring McCollough-Bursley School Aid Formula. She was the chief sponsor of Michigan's Mandatory Special Education Law, which was the first of its kind. She was extremely active in Legislative efforts to improve the Public School Employees Retirement System. She also authored the Homestead Tax Exemption Bill (also known as The McCollough Act) and many other bills on behalf of veterans, senior citizens, teachers, school children, and homeowners. After she stopped serving as a State Representative in 1982, she continued to serve as a Senator volunteer for her son, Patrick. Additionally, McCollough was appointed as the Michigan State Commissioner on Services to the Aging.

McCollough served as director and was one of the founders of the Dearborn Federation of Civic Associations. She was secretary and chairman of the Lydia Women's Group of Littlefield Boulevard United Presbyterian Church. Throughout her life McCollough was active in the United Foundation, Dearborn Navy Mothers Club, Ladies Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1494, Women of the Moose, Dearborn Y.M.C.A., League of Women Voters, Dearborn Democratic Club, Women's Benefit Association, and Women's Political Research League.

McCollough has received many awards and recognitions for her legislative work. In 1977 McCollough set a record 100% perfect legislative attendance. She also held the highest voting average in the House of Representatives. In 2002 McCollough was inducted into the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame. An elementary school in Dearborn, Mich. is named after her.

From the guide to the Lucille H. McCollough papers, 1955-1989, Bulk 1965-1982., (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)