Mary Culpepper,
Church Activity Director,
Retiring From Life's Work

The Miami Herald
Thursday, August 26, 1993
Section: Neighbors Ke, Page: 28
Bea L. Hines Herald Staff Writer

Mary Culpepper's love of church work began in 1928 when she became secretary at First Baptist Church in Beaumont, Texas.

It continued for 65 years with service at churches in Georgia, Jacksonville, Allapattah, Hialeah and finally at Kendall's Gateway Baptist, where she has served as director of church activities for the past 18 years.

It is from Gateway, 6500 SW 97th Ave., that Culpepper, 86, has decided it is time to retire (officially) from the work that has been her life.

"Someone has said that Mary won't ever really retire," said her longtime friend, Helen Eidson. "She will always find something to do in the church."

On Aug. 15, family, friends and church family gathered in Gateway's social hall for a buffet dinner to honor Culpepper for her many years of service.

Culpepper's work went beyond the local church. She also served the National Baptist Convention as well as the Miami Baptist Association.

For 10 years, she was secretary of the Eastern Religious Education Association, becoming its first woman president in 1976.

Culpepper, who lives seven blocks from the church, is the mother of two daughters.

When asked what she plans to do with the extra time on her hands, Culpepper quipped: "I'm just gonna do what I want to do, when I want to do it, if I want to do it."

Then, she said seriously, "I teach a class in ceramics at the church and will probably continue that. And I'll do some volunteer work.

"I'm long overdue for retirement. The Lord's been good to me . . . gave me an opportunity to serve Him all these years."

Culpepper Ancestry. The identity and ancestry of Mary Culpepper's husband is currently unknown to Culpepper Connections! If you know anything about Mary, her husband, or current health, please let us know.

Last Revised: 12 Jul 2004