Clara Nell Culp, 92, of Benton, Kentucky, passed away on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at the Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center in Paducah.
Clara was born on March 5, 1933, in McCracken County, Kentucky, to the late Ray Powers and Jewel Irvin Powers. Earlier in her life, Clara spent many years working for the Clausner’s Hosiery and Florsheim Shoe Company. Following her time at Florsheim, Clara began working at the Whitehaven Welcome Center, where she worked up until her retirement. She also had quite the green thumb, and during her time at Whitehaven, one of her favorite tasks of the day was tending to all of the beautiful flowers around the property. Her love of gardening extended beyond her work; she also enjoyed having her own floral and vegetable garden at home, where she would spend many hours outside tending to her garden and canning her delicious produce. Known for her famous hot tamales, another passion of hers was cooking. Whether it was dinner at home for her family or cooking a large meal for a big gathering, Clara enjoyed cooking and being in the kitchen. As a devoted member of the Southland Baptist Temple Church, Clara's faith was a cornerstone of her life. More than anything else, Clara was the heart of her family. She was dedicated to keeping her loved ones close and will be remembered for the countless memories and traditions she helped create throughout the years.
She is survived by her two daughters, Wanda Perryman and Ellen Joiner (Mike) both of Smithland, Kentucky; her three sons, Louis Culp (Debra) of Benton, Mike Culp (Donna) of Calvert City, and Charles Culp (“Dee Dee”) of Paducah; one brother, Jerry Powers of Paducah; eleven grandchildren; and several great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Paul Culp; two sisters, Robbie Culp and Sara Etta Crowell; four brothers, George Powers, Pete Powers, Bill Powers, and Andrew Powers; two grandchildren, Cory Culp and Vicki Culp; and her parents, Ray Powers and Jewell Irvin Powers.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann, 1003 Poplar Street, Benton, KY 42025.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann. Pastor Larry Luffman will officiate and burial will follow at Fooks Cemetery.
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit Clara’s Tribute Wall at www.filbeckandcann.com.
