Bethna Dennis Culpepper died Oct. 20, 2016, after battling lung cancer for almost a year.

Beth was born on Jan. 18, 1935, in New Augusta in the family home in the same room her mother was born. She was the daughter of Wilmer Dennis and Loucile Ikerd Dennis.

Beth was graduated from Mississippi Southern College (now the University of Southern Mississippi) with a degree in English.

She then taught school in Moss Point, where she met her roommate’s brother, Moody Manning Culpepper, who was serving in the United States Navy. They eloped on June 8, 1958. While he finished his degree in civil engineering at Mississippi State University she worked for the MSU Registrar and later taught school in Starkville.

Beth was a longtime resident of Vicksburg, supporting many community and cultural activities. She retired from the Warren County Vicksburg Schools after teaching English for 30 years and also serving as yearbook faculty advisor.

As a member of First Presbyterian Church, she was a part of the Faith in Practice Sunday School Class, and Presbyterian Women receiving an honorary life membership. She served on the board of the Warren County-Vicksburg Library for many years. She was a Salvation Army volunteer and Master Gardener. She and Moody were active Mississippi State University supporters.

Beth faithfully cared for Moody as he suffered with Parkinson’s disease for many years. He predeceased her on April 26, 2016.

Her survivors include her sister, Cynthia Biegler; her brother, Murray Dennis (Lonie); her sister-in-law, Pat Schiffbauer; her children, Gay Drake (Joe) and Mike Culpepper (Joe McDermott); and her granddaughter, Anna Drake McIntyre (Thomas).

The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to those who cared for her in her last months.

Funeral services will be at First Presbyterian Church of Vicksburg, 1501 Cherry St., Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016, at 11 a.m. Visitation will be at the church from 9 a.m. until time of the service.

The family requests memorials be given to First Presbyterian Church of Vicksburg, Vicksburg-Warren County Humane Society, or a charity of choice.