Sally Culpepper

Sarah Ridley Lane Culpepper, 98, a lifelong LaGrange resident, and known to all as “Miss Sally” died August 15, 2012.

Mrs. Culpepper was born on Friday, September the 13th, 1913, daughter of the late Dr. J.E. Lane and Sarah Ferrell Ridley Lane at her grandparents home, which today is the Fuller E. Callaway estate, Hills and Dales. Her grandmother, Sarah Coleman Ferrell designed and planted the gardens in the 1830’s. She attended LaGrange Schools and graduated from LaGrange College in 1934. She appeared on National television which featured four cities in America where young ladies were introduced to society, which was sponsored by the Debutante Society of America. The same year she was voted “Miss LaGrange of 1934, she married Bert Culpepper of LaGrange. During World War II, she served on Civil and Charitable boards and was a founding member of the United Service Organization (USO) of LaGrange.

Miss Sally became one of America’s first women real estate agents in 1955. She was responsible for developing the first shopping center in LaGrange, which today is a major Publix Supermarket. Mrs. Culpepper was the oldest member of the First Baptist Church on the Square.

Miss Sally was preceded in death by her husband, of 60 years, William Bert Culpepper, Sr. She is survived by a daughter, Sally Culpepper Macomber of LaGrange; a son, William Bert Culpepper, Jr. of Denver, Colorado; two grandchildren, Marianne Macomber Rice of Nashville, Tennessee and Marshall Culpepper Macomber of Washington, D.C.; and two great-grandsons, Spencer and Cooper Rice, both of Nashville, Tennessee.

A private service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of LaGrange. A gathering of family and friends will be at the Welcome Center of the Hills and Dales Estate (1916 Hills and Dales Drive (Carter St.) LaGrange, GA 30240) on Saturday from 4 – 6 p.m.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to her caregivers, Mrs. Patricia Darda, Mrs. Ruth Thornton and her housekeeper, Mrs. Dena Morgan.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to West Georgia Hospice (1510 Vernon Road, LaGrange, GA 30240) in memory of Sally Lane Culpepper.

Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange. (706) 884-8636 www.shlagrange.com