Helen B. Culwell's Obituary
Helen Biggers Culwell- widow of her beloved childhood sweetheart, Clarence W. Culwell, TMC USN, died of complications associated with acute pneumonia Friday, July 16, 2010. Helen was a deeply loved and respected mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, a professional and business woman, and servant of her husband, family, church, community and America. Born in Nashville, February 1, 1926, twin to her sister, Ellen, she lived through the Great Depression to become a member of "The Greatest Generation". She studied and acquired her High School GED, raised a war-time family and maintained a household single-handedly while her husband was deployed in the defense of our country for 21 years. She taught her children the values embodied in the Bible and motivated them to success in their life endeavors. She was a member of the Neely's Bend Church of Christ. Mrs. Culwell became one of the first Certified Dental Assistants in Tennessee, enjoyed a successful career as a dental professional, and held offices of Treasurer and President of the Nashville Chapter of the American Business Womens' Association (ABWA), hosting the National Convention during her tenure as President. She was an active member and officer of the Middle Tennessee Chapter Refrigeration Service Engineers Society Auxiliary (RSES), and was active in the Ladies Auxiliary, Fleet Reserve Association, making several pilgrimages to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, D.C., to lay a wreath there on behalf of the State of Tennessee. She was active in the Meals on Wheels program of Madison Church of Christ for years, celebrated 55 years of marriage, nurtured and encouraged her ailing husband as his primary caregiver until the day he died, and inspired her entire extended family with her unfailing love and devotion. Helen is survived by son, C. William Culwell, Jr. and wife Jill, daughter Susan D. Agan and husband Lucky, son J. Richard (Rick) Culwell and wife Kathy. Grandchildren Chris and Juvy Culwell, C. W. Culwell, III (Clay) and Laura Culwell, John-Michael and Yael McGaugh, Don Culwell and Lynsey Waddill, Matthew McGaugh, Eli and Kelly Culwell, and Ryan Culwell and Martina Morgan. Great-grandchildren Leigha Watlington, Elizabeth Culwell, Gavin Culwell, Kendra Morgan, C.W. Culwell IV(Will), Eli Culwell, Jr., and Erin Lee Culwell. The grandsons will serve as pall bearers along with nephews David R. Darnell and Vernon Knight. Helen loved flowers and requested that anyone who wishes to participate in the celebration of her life be invited to do so with flowers. She will be laid to rest with Clarence at the Tennessee Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Pegram, Tennessee. Visitation with the family will be on Tuesday from 3-8PM and a funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11AM at Spring Hill Fuenral Home.
What’s your fondest memory of Helen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Helen?
Share a story where Helen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Helen you’ll never forget.
How did Helen make you smile?