She was the widow of A.J. Culpepper, a homemaker and was the oldest active member of Wilmar Baptist Church. She was baptized on June 27, 1948 and held the record for the longest church membership. Melba loved cooking, baking and crocheting.
She was the driving force behind the Wilmar ladies ministry (Wings). She generously prepared delicious meals each month for the group (as recent as December) with secret ingredients that everyone was required to guess! She was always searching for recipes that were "different" so she could prepare it for the next meeting. She was always sharing her handmade creations with the ladies as well as her friends.
Melba handed out the "welcome bags" for visitors who came to our church and selflessly purchased most of the items that filled these bags. She also supported many church projects anonymously never wanting any credit for herself. Many things just "showed up" at church with no one knowing where they came from.
Survivors include three sons, Jim Culpepper and wife Eva of Sandia, TX, Bill Culpepper and wife Terry of Converse, TX and John Culpepper and wife Karen of Pearsall, TX; one daughter, Nancy C. Flores and husband Pete of Uvalde, TX; thirteen grandchildren, twenty-eight great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 9, 2020 at Stephenson-Dearman Chapel with burial to follow in Andrews Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Saturday evening at the funeral home. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(9)
Annette McKinney
Monticello, AR Tuesday, February 11, 2020 I will be praying for all of her Mrs. Melba's friends and family in the days to come. She was a joy to be around:)Cynthia McKinstry
Little Rock, AR Sunday, February 9, 2020 Prayerss& thoughts are with the family during this time of loss of Mrs. Melba Jane.Carole (Johns) Rushing
Woodlawn, AR Wednesday, February 5, 2020 Jim and all the rest of the family. There are no words to express my sorrow at Melba's passing. We were life long friends. We started keeping the nursery at church at 13 & 14. I had the pleasure of helping her with massage (and I hope Jim too). Since my health has been so bad the last few years I haven't seen her often. Our communication was texting. I always had to know about all you "kids" and she was glad to oblige. I'm praying the Lord will give you the peace, comfort and strength that only He can and help you through adjusting to life without her. Know that I share in your sorrow as do so many others. Please accept my deepest sympathyCarole (Johns) Rushing
Mark Measels
Douglasville, GA Wednesday, February 5, 2020 Going to miss you My dad is going to miss you Rest In Peace !Denise Adams
Monticello, AR Tuesday, February 4, 2020 I am so sorry for your loss. My grandmother, Vergie Hart Reeves and Melba's mother were cousins, (or second cousins). Another of the cousins passed away just this Sunday, Clydine Clanton Jones. She was Malissa Measel Clanton's daughter. Our family is losing the last of that generation. You may remember my mother Betty Worrell who lived down Allis Road. She is still alive, but home bound. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers especially in the coming days and weeks, as you begin this period of grieving.Karla Measels Johnson
Batesville, AR Tuesday, February 4, 2020 I’m so sorry to hear of Melba’s passing. My dad, Carlton Measels, will miss her. He is one her first cousins. They visited on the phone since neither of them could drive.Paula Culpepper
Bozeman, MT Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Thank you for teaching me about living/working on the ranch. Love you, miss you.Lisa Roark Schmidt
Wilmar, AR Tuesday, February 4, 2020 I just loved Ms. Melba. She had a "you can't stop me attitude". She was always so kind and happy to see me. She was truly one of a kind. I heart goes out to her family at this time. May God comfort and keep you at this time and in the days to come. You will be in my prayers.Mary Lasiter
Wilmar, AR Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Jim, Bill, Nancy and John and all of the family, I am so very sorry to hear of Melba's passing. She was a dear friend and I am going to miss our long phone calls at night. Please accept my deepest sympathy. RIP Melba.