Mary Virginia Hopkins Culberson

Mary Virginia Hopkins Culberson passed away peacefully on February 11, 2017 after a short illness. She was born in Gadsden, Alabama on April 6, 1920. She was the eldest child of James P. Hopkins and Hattie Mae Mooney. She was preceded in death by her younger brother, Billy, who lived in Rome and daughter, Molly.

In the early 1920s, she moved to Rome where her father had a downtown shoe store. She attended Shorter College and married Clifton Maurice Culberson on Valentine’s Day 1947. He preceded her in death in 2012 after 65 years of marriage.

Virginia had two children, Molly and Cliff, who she loved dearly. She was employed by West Rome High School then went to work at the Darlington Junior School (grades 6-8). She was there from headmasters Edor Anderson through Jim Van Es. She was a surrogate mom to many students and was always ready with a smile and hello. Her office was often a place of refuge when things became too rowdy on the playground and during recess. She was active in church and garden club activities and travelled extensively.

She is survived by her son Cliff (Anne)and grandson Blake; Molly’s daughter Hill (James) Coyle and 2 great grandchildren, Patrick and Molly. In addition, there are numerous other relatives including her brother Billy’s three children, Jimmy, Pat and Anne. On the Culberson side of the family her husband, Maurice, was the oldest of eight children. There is a very long list of beloved Culberson relatives.

She was a gentle caring soul and will be missed by all. A memorial service will be held at 1 PM on March 17th in the Chapel of the First Baptist Church of Rome, where she was a member for more than 70 years. Memorial Donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Rome, 100 East Fourth Avenue, Rome, GA 30161.