Rose Lee Culpepper

Rose was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Culpepper; her parents, Luther and Pearl Best; as well as Nina Miller, Lonnie “Bud” Best, Jim Best, Willie Best, and Eddie “Jake” Best. While those who loved her are heartbroken to say goodbye, there is comfort in knowing she is reunited with her husband, her parents, and the loved ones who went before her.

She is survived by her children, Lisa Carpenter (Mark), Bridget Rollo (Nick), and Mike Culpepper (Mari); her grandchildren, Victor Medrano (Madison), Mariah Lanter (Partner Craig Latham), Shayla Culpepper (Partner Drake Barnett), and Austin Key (Partner Katlyn Vannoy); and her great-grandchildren, Brianna Alzate, Kayson Lanter, Kingston Barnett, Kenna Barnett, Parker Key, and Winsley Key, Brandon Culpepper.

She is also survived by her siblings, Ralph Best, David Best, Charles Best, Lewis Best, Jackie Best, Helen Collis, Mary Collis, Betty Sova, and Daisie Miller, several beloved nieces and nephews; as well as her very best friend, Carol Heilman, whom she loved dearly.

While Helen was Rose’s sister, she was also one of her very best friends. Their bond went far beyond that of sisters. They spoke multiple times a day and were always together whenever given the chance. They shared countless conversations, laughs, memories, and moments that only sisters and best friends could understand. Their relationship was truly special, and the love they shared was immeasurable.

Rose was the definition of selfless. She was not only a mother and grandmother to her own family—she became a “neighborhood mama” to so many. She loved and cared for so many children throughout the years that several children in the neighborhood were even named after her, a testament to the impact she had on the lives around her.

Family was everything to Rose. She took care of her people, loved fiercely, and accepted everyone exactly as they were without batting an eye. Her door was always open, and if you walked into her home, chances were you weren’t leaving hungry. She could not stand the thought of someone going without and would give whatever she had to make sure the people around her were taken care of.

But anyone who knew Rose also knew she had a spicy side. She wasn’t afraid to tell you exactly what she was thinking, and you never had to wonder where you stood with her. She was strong, loving, outspoken, generous, and completely herself—and that is exactly why so many people loved her.

Rose leaves behind far more than names on a family tree. She leaves behind generations of people who learned from her what it means to love deeply, take care of one another, welcome people without judgment, and always make room for one more at the table.

Her absence will be felt beyond measure, but so will the love she left behind.

She was deeply loved, and she will be deeply missed.