Lucille Rebecca Rhode Culpepper was born on May 28, 1928 to Lucius and Rebecca Dandridge Rhode in Cottageville, SC and died on June 26, 2025. She started school a year early so that she could go with her older sister and best friend, Serena, and she went on to graduate as the valedictorian of her class. She met Ernest Lee Culpepper, Jr., the love of her life, in high school. They married in 1948.

Lucille worked for over 30 years at Clemson extension services in Walterboro and was an avid fan of the Clemson Tigers. She was a devoted Christian and an active member of Bethel United Methodist Church and served in various leadership roles, especially in the Methodist Women's organization. She also went to visit "the older members" of the church well into her eighties. She loved the color pink and to walk on the beach, ride her bicycle, dance, and eat chocolate.

Widowed at only 49 years old, and sustained by her faith, Lucille was the matriarch of her large and loving family. Her home was full of life and laughter, and everyone was always welcome. She loved to host holidays, and it was a running joke among her family that you never knew who might be at Christmas dinner, because she wanted everyone to have a place to belong. She was a wonderful cook, and it's hard to say how many people were blessed with batches of "Mammy's famous party mix" over the years. She never hesitated to pile all of her grandchildren in the car to go on an adventure, and she was an active and involved grandmother and then great-grandmother. Even when age took her memory, she retained her sense of humor, her kindness, and her faith.

Lucille is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ernest Lee Culpepper, Jr., her sister, and her best friend for most of her adult life, Gloria Hiott. Lucille is survived by her five children: Gail Hyatt (Monroe) of Summerville, Lisa Culpepper of North Augusta, Edward Culpepper (Janice) of Cottageville, Eric Culpepper (Vicky) of Edisto, and Elton Culpepper (Charlotte) of Folly Beach; her grandchildren: Erin Johnston (Richard), Rebecca Guzman (Rafael), Evan Culpepper (Wendy), Lucius Culpepper (Kelly), and Rachel McGhie (Ryan); nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews who she loved like they were her own children.

The family would like to thank the staff of The Claiborne at Brickyard Crossing for the loving way they laughed with her and cared for her during the last part of her life.

A service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 29th at Bethel United Methodist Church in Walterboro. Visitation will precede the service at 1:30 p.m. at the church. Burial will immediately follow at Greenlawn Memorial Garden on Hendersonville Highway.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church, 355 Hampton Street, Walterboro, SC  29488.  Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home, 117 Paul Street in Walterboro is in charge of arrangements.