JoAnn R. Culpepper

JoAnn Ramsden Culpepper, age 92, of Gardendale, AL, passed away on September 25, 2024. Born in Bessemer, AL, on December 11, 1931, JoAnn was the beloved daughter of the late Clarence “Buck” and Willard “Bill” Ramsden.

JoAnn graduated from Phillips High School. She later married her sweetheart Reedie in 1950, and they raised their children and enjoyed a wonderful life in the Birmingham area. She worked at Southtrust Bank for 20 years until her retirement, where she trained new employees for the Installment Loan Department.

JoAnn loved to travel and did so extensively after her retirement. She often shared stories from her travels and claimed Switzerland as her favorite destination.

She was a huge fan of the Auburn Tigers and the Atlanta Braves and could often be found watching their games. She was a devoted friend, who made friends easily and was loyal for life. They gathered frequently to play cards or dominos, eat at Niki’s West, and share about their families. She was also an avid reader and enjoyed swapping books with her friends and granddaughter. JoAnn was a wonderful storyteller who took great joy in keeping the family history alive. She laughed easily and often, and all who knew her will miss seeing her smile and hearing her laugh.

Living near her grandchildren allowed her to be a steady presence in their lives. She often showed her love for her family by cooking amazing meals, full of family favorites. Her creamed corn and yellow cake with chocolate sauce will be greatly missed. She loved her family deeply and selflessly cared for her husband in the years preceding his death.

She loved the Lord and devoted her life to following Christ. She was an active member of Hope Community Church in Gardendale for decades, where she was a member of The Ambassadors Sunday School Class. She found joy in singing with the church choir, volunteering to put the weekly newsletter together, and calling and sending cards to homebound church members until just recently. She continued to faithfully read and study the Bible until her last days.

JoAnn is preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years, James Reedie Culpepper; her parents, Clarence “Buck” and Willard “Bill” Ramsden; her daughter, Paulla Manikowski; her son-in-law, Paul Manikowski; her sister, Sarah “Sally” Little; and her brother-in-law, Jack Little. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Les and Angela Culpepper; grandchildren, Brooke and Josh Miller, and Rob and Kaylee Culpepper; great-grandchildren, Emory and Pippa; nieces, Melody Cagle and Kathy King; and other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Special thanks to the staff at Cahaba Ridge Retirement Community, SouthernCare Hospice, and her daily caregivers for the additional attention and care they provided JoAnn until her passing.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 1:00pm at Ridout’s Gardendale Chapel, followed by a Memorial Service at 2:00pm and Graveside Service at Oakwood Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Missions Fund at Hope Community Church, Gardendale, AL (www.hccommunity.org) in memory of JoAnn.