Mary Ethel Cummings Culpepper, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, was born September 22, 1935 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, the daughter of the late D.B. Cummings and the late Gladys O'Kelley Cummings Parker. Mrs. Culpepper went to be with Jesus on Wednesday, October 9, 2013 at NPMC at the age of 78. She was an active church member throughout much of her adult life. She loved God, family and country. She was active in the grassroots political movement and a staunch member of the Republican Party. Her home was always open to friends and family.
Mary worked as a nurse until her retirement, after finishing her nursing training at the top of her class. This she accomplished while taking care of a home and three preschool children without any outside help. Mary enjoyed working crossword puzzles, traveling, shopping, bird-watching and visiting with friends and family. One thing Mary didn't care for was cooking. Anytime there was a gathering, she would always volunteer her sister, Joyce, to cook. She certainly didn't know how to fry cabbage.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her half-brother Joe Parker, her half-sister Thelma Calloway, and her brother Gerald Cummings.
Survivors include her husband of over 60 years, Gene Culpepper of Hot Springs, sister Joyce Hassen and husband Sam of Bismarck, and brother Clifton Parker of Arkadelphia. Children include David Culpepper and wife Mary Ellen of Carrollton, Texas, Kim Culpepper McCall and husband Jim of East Palatka, Florida, and Regena Culpepper Nelson and husband Scott of Bryan, Texas.
She was extremely proud of her ten grandchildren, Elijah Culpepper, Leah Culpepper Wall, Micah Culpepper, Ben Fennen, Regan Fennen Lemons, Aubrey McCall, Hannah Nelson, Rachel Nelson, Nathan Nelson and Noah Nelson.
Mary loved seeing her nine great-grandchildren; Halie, Seth, Kade, Aden, Rosabella, Genevieve, Moses and Eden.
Funeral services will be Saturday October 12, 2013 at 2:30 P.M. at Center Grove United Methodist Church in Sheridan. Burial will follow at Center Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. also on Saturday.
Pallbearers will be: Donald Culpepper, Elijah Culpepper, Ben Fennen, Ben Wall, Wesley Cummings and Larry Culpepper.
Honorary pallbearers include Clifton Parker and Sam Hassen.