Susan Lee Culbreth

Susan Lee Richardson Culbreth, 69, of Brentwood, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of June 17, 2023, after a tough but short fight through complications following spinal surgery in late February. Susan was born in Paris, Tenn., on Dec. 2, 1953, to Chester Wayne and Mary Elaine (Upchurch) Richardson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Stephen Wayne Richardson; grandparents; and aunts and uncles. Susan is survived by the love of her life, Richard Culbreth; her “baby boy,” Jason Culbreth; her “baby girl and other baby boy,” Kristen and John Michael Corn; her grand “babies,” Addie, Landon, and Anders Corn; brothers- and sisters-in-law that she loved tremendously; cousins and dear friends who were like sisters to her; and several nieces and nephews she treasured. Last, but certainly not least, Susan is survived by her precious dog, Charlie.

Susan was a dedicated employee of the federal government for more than 35 years. She worked her way through the ranks, beginning as a secretary and retiring as an IT manager. While she loved her job, her proudest achievements were being a beloved wife, Mom(my), and Mimi. She was the very best at each of these roles, and she adored her family. Susan and Richard were true soulmates and best friends, and she loved traveling with him, trying fancy recipes with him, and pretending (sometimes convincingly) to be annoyed at his songs, jokes, and stories. She also treasured spending time with her babies and grandbabies whenever she was able. Susan especially enjoyed playing “Chopped” with her grandchildren and their play kitchen goods, and she handled their judging with the grace of the very most revered (yet brutally scorned) pretend-food chef. She was a champion of her family, and she will be missed greatly.

While shocked and saddened by her passing, her family is comforted knowing Susan is no longer in pain. They would like to extend heartfelt gratitude and love to the Bethany Center for Rehabilitation and Healing care team, especially Tony Cuzzone, Victoria Garrick, Amanda Crosswhite, and Christy Pennington, whom Susan loved. Their compassion toward Susan was a gift to her family in the past few months.

Susan hated being the center of attention, so she did not want a visitation or funeral. Her family appreciates the love and prayers surrounding them as they honor those wishes and privately celebrate her life. Susan would have loved for memorial gifts be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.