Carol "CJ" Jo Templeman

Carol Jo Templeman, known lovingly to family and friends as CJ, was born on January 21, 1945, in Findlay, Ohio, to Lynette Purkey McCullough and Elmer A. McCullough. She grew up in Bloomdale, Ohio, alongside her sister, Ann McCullough of Las Cruces, New Mexico, carrying with her the small-town values of kindness, curiosity, and quiet determination that would shape the rest of her life.

A graduate of Elmwood High School, CJ went on to attend The Ohio State University, where her leadership, intellect, and warmth quickly distinguished her. She was a devoted member of Kappa Kappa Gamma and was honored with membership in Mortar Board honor society, Mirrors (Sophomore Women’s Honorary), Chimes (Junior Women’s Honorary), and Phi Upsilon Omicron. She served as President of the American Home Economics Association and as Secretary of the Student Senate—roles that reflected her deep commitment to service and community. She later earned her Master’s Degree from Ohio University, continuing a lifelong dedication to education.

On August 9, 1969, she married the love of her life, James “Jim” Templeman after meeting on the Ohio University campus. Their marriage of 57 years was marked by love, humor, and a shared appreciation for learning about the world and others.

CJ began her professional career teaching in the Berea Schools, including at Midpark High School. In 1974, she joined Baldwin Wallace College (now University), beginning a remarkable 31-year journey as a teacher, professor, and administrator. Over the years, she served as Director of Academic Advising, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, Coordinator of Disability Services for Students, and leader of College 101. She contributed to countless committees and initiatives, and to generations of students, she was more than an administrator—she was a steady presence, a compassionate listener, and a wise guide who helped young adults find their footing and flourish.

In 1974, CJ and Jim made Berea their home, where she became deeply involved in the community. She gave generously of her time to Elementary PTAs and the Berea Educational Foundation, believing firmly in the power of education at every level. For 50 years, she was a devoted member of P.E.O. Sisterhood, finding great joy in its mission of supporting women through educational opportunities.

Nothing delighted her more than being surrounded by her people. CJ cherished her family and friends. She was a proud and loving mother to Michael F. Templeman (Amy) and Christopher L. Templeman (Vanessa). Her joy multiplied with her grandchildren—Nick; and Pascal and Hazel—each of whom brought her wonder, light, and laughter.

While she was born and raised in a relatively quiet, rural village, where many of its residents found themselves comfortable and at home for generations, and without any perceived need to venture beyond the Wood County line, CJ saw herself and her role in the world in much more expansive terms. Based in part on her global outlook and her curiosity about the vastness and peculiarities of the human condition, CJ traveled to dozens of countries in her lifetime, taking family and friends along on her diverse “learning adventures,” as she sometimes referred to the trips. In these diverse settings, she particularly loved trying new foods and seeing art, architecture, fashion, and design. CJ also enjoyed gathering groups of all sizes in Berea and on Cape Cod, and she treasured the family’s time hosting international students.

When not serving as the consummate host, CJ indulged in reading and working through crossword puzzles. She enjoyed crosswords so much that she routinely initiated the New York Times version at 4 a.m. She relished the quiet challenge and the satisfaction of honing in on exactly the right word—an apt metaphor for a woman who chose her own spoken words so intentionally.

She will be remembered for her intelligence, her unending compassion, her laughter, and her boundless devotion to the people and communities she held dear.

In lieu of flowers, the Templeman family requests you consider a donation to support women’s education. One option is P.E.O. International, and in the dropdown box for P.E.O. Chapter, choose BQ\OH Berea. A celebration of life for CJ will take place at a future date.

https://www.peointernational.org/make-a-gift/