Shirley Anne Culpepper

Shirley Anne Culpepper, née Hayes, passed away peacefully after several years of enduring the effects of Alzheimer’s, at her home in Choteau, Montana, on September 2, 2024, at the age of 73. Born on October 17, 1950, in Ozark County, Alabama, Shirley was the beloved daughter of James and Mabel Hayes.

Shirley led a full and meaningful life. She graduated from Linwood High School in Southern California and later pursued college-level studies at California Baptist University. Her professional career was spent as a dedicated secretary and administrative assistant for several companies, including ConAgra, as well as several schools and colleges, roles in which she excelled through her attention to detail and strong work ethic. She lived much of her life in Southern California, including many years in Buena Park, CA, and many happy years in Oceanside, CA, with her husband, Roy Culpepper.

A woman of deep faith, Shirley was a member of the Southern Baptist Church, and frequently attended worship services at Crescent Baptist Church in Anaheim, CA, and Buena Vista Baptist in Vista, CA, where she spent much time happily volunteering and participating in various community activities. Beyond her devotion to her family and church, she was an avid quilter and enjoyed reading novels. Shirley and her husband, Roy, also loved to travel together, making lasting memories on their many trips.

Shirley is survived by her loving husband, Roy; daughter, Jennifer (Arthur Leroy) Taylor; son, Jason McDaniel; siblings, Jean Britton, Jimmy Hayes, Cindy Joy, Michael Hayes; and many nieces and nephews. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Madison Taylor, AJ Taylor, Jackson Taylor, and Trey Taylor.

She will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and the joy she brought to all who knew her. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, James and Mabel Hayes; and her brother, Gary Hayes.
Shirley’s life will be celebrated in a memorial service on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Living the Word Church, 414 Main Ave. S. in Choteau, MT. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.