Linda Alice Culpepper

Linda Alice “Nana” Culpepper, the matriarch of our family, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend passed away peacefully surrounded by those she loved on Thursday, the 30th day of April 2026, at the age of 86. She was born on the 30th day of December 1939 in Olustee, Oklahoma to parents Elmo Nichols and Mary Alice Goss Nichols.

Linda lived a life marked by devotion, kindness, and steady love for those around her. She was a woman whose presence brought comfort and warmth, and she will be remembered by all who knew her as loving, kind, and thoughtful. Her life was centered on her family, and she took great joy in the relationships she nurtured throughout the years.

She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Attaway (Jeff); sons, Paul Culpepper (Carrie), and Mark Culpepper (Karen). She also leaves behind her adored fourteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. In addition to her immediate family, she is survived by other family members and a host of friends who will carry her memory in their hearts. Her family was the greatest source of her pride and happiness, and she loved them deeply and unconditionally. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Father John David Culpepper; longtime companion Gary Lively; parents Elmo and Mary Nichols; and her son James Culpepper.

For more than 34 years, Linda proudly served beside her husband as the wife of a priest, traveling throughout the United States and Canada to share God’s word. A faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church since 1978, Linda remained active in her church community until her health declined. She valued the friendships and connections she made there, and her presence will be missed by those who worshiped alongside her.

Linda was also a brilliant and gifted writer, and her words reflected the thoughtfulness and insight that defined her character. She had a deep love for her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and she enjoyed family reunions and celebrations that brought loved ones together. Christmas held a special place in her heart, especially the themed decorations and treasures collected from all over the world. These joys added color and delight to her life, and they reflected her appreciation for beauty, tradition, and togetherness.

The family will receive friends from six o’clock in the evening until eight o’clock in the evening on Tuesday, the 5th day of May 2026 at Rhone Funeral Home. At six o’clock in the evening, the recitation of the Holy Rosary in honor of Linda is to commence.

The Mass of Christian burial is to be held at ten o’clock in the morning on Wednesday, the 6th day of May 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 503 N. Queen Street, Palestine, Texas. The Rite of Committal, via an escorted procession, will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Palestine.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers include her grandsons.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorials in memory of Linda Culpepper can be directed towards St. Vincent de Paul-Charity, Sacred Heart Parish-Palestine, 503 N. Queen Street, Palestine, Texas 75801.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all care givers and nurses who assisted in giving exceptional loving care to our beloved mother and grandmother.

Funeral services for Linda Alice “Nana” Culpepper are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. Please visit her online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with her family.

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