Mrs. Wilhelmina May Culpepper

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In Wilhelmina’s Words: “What has given me perseverance over the years is my strong faith and trust in God who has always made a way for me, and is always giving me the strength and peace within when it is needed, in joy, in times of trouble and unforeseen situations. Everything is possible with God, nothing is possible without God.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Wilhelmina May Culpepper was born Tuesday, September 2, 1924, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to the late James and Mildred (Jefferson) Barbee. “Will” or “Willi,” as she was called, was the second of six children. She was a graduate of the former William Penn High School and completed her course studies at the Central Pennsylvania Business School formerly on Market Street, Harrisburg, PA. Wilhelmina worked a short time for Henryton State Hospital in Henryton, Maryland, Pennsylvania Department of Highways, Harrisburg, PA, and landed her feet with the U. S. Air Force, Olmsted AFB, Middletown, PA, as an aircraft helper and aircraft mechanic as well as a variety of other assignments. Once that position phased out, she worked for the New Cumberland Army Depot doing computer programming where she became the first Black woman supervisor and from where she then retired. Wilhelmina was a member of Camp Curtin Memorial-Mitchell United Methodist Church where she served as Sunday School Superintendent, Teacher and participated in the choir and volunteered in the soup kitchen. In her younger years, she enjoyed bowling, reading, cooking, playing the piano and having gatherings with family and friends. She mostly cherished her Saturday visits with her baby brother Gilbert “Go” and surrounding herself with her plants. Although she loved the presence of her family, she really enjoyed her quiet time which gave her the opportunity to watch her favorite shows. In Harrisburg, PA, on Sunday, May 1, 2016, at the blessed age of ninety-one, Wilhelmina exchanged mortality for immortality transitioning from the labors of this life into her reward of eternal life. In addition to her parents, she was preceded into eternal life by her son, Thomas F. Culpepper, whom she loved dearly; her brother, James T. Barbee Jr.; her two beloved sisters, Patricia Glasper and Jacqueline Crummel; and her first-born granddaughter, Theresa Y. Reid-Christian. Wilhelmina leaves to celebrate her life two brothers, Eugene Barbee of New Jersey, Gilbert Barbee (Williemae) of Harrisburg, PA; her granddaughters, Kelly M. Reid-Williams of Steelton, PA, and April Wilson of Cincinnati, Ohio; eight great-grands, Richard, Michael and Tracy Kohl, Darrelle, Darrell Jr. and Kayla Christian, Dale Dickens Jr. and Rashad-Xavier DeVan; sixteen great-great-grands, four step-great-great-grands; devoted nephews, Larry and Ricky Crummel; nieces, Jocelyn Hicks--many visits and laughs--, Tamara Clemens and Carol Seay who made themselves available whenever needed; a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, as well as her good friend and beautician Rodney Barton, her church community and friends. Giving God All Glory, Honor and Praise! Submitted by the Family Her life will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Friday, May 6th, at Wallace Funeral Directors with viewing 10-11 a.m. Interment will be at Lincoln Cemetery, Harrisburg. Flowers may be delivered to the funeral home 5/6, 8:30-9 a.m.

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Mrs. Wilhelmina May Culpepper

September 2, 1924 - May 1, 2016