Madalene Wells Coggin Culpepper

Madalene Wells Coggin Culpepper

It is with deep sorrow that our family announces the passing of a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Madalene Wells Coggin Culpepper, 96, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025, in her childhood home.

Affectionately known as "Manny" to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Madalene was born on June 8, 1929, at Fraiser Ellis Hospital in Dothan, Alabama—the first cesarean birth in the state of Alabama. She was raised in Chipley and attended Chipley High School before graduating from Ward-Belmont in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1947.

She continued her education at Florida State University, where she was a proud member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and earned a degree in Early Childhood Education. In September 1951, she married the love of her life, Jackson Forrest Culpepper of Thomasville, Georgia.

Madalene began her teaching career in Thomasville before moving to Dade City, Florida, where Jack was employed by Watkins Motor Lines. Their daughter, Valerie, was born in 1957. The family returned to Chipley to be near relatives, and Madalene began her long career as a kindergarten teacher at Kate M. Smith Elementary, where she taught for 20 years. The lifelong impact she had on her students was immeasurable. Even after retirement, "Miss Manny" continued to serve the school as a dedicated volunteer.

She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, a professional honor society for women educators, and was also actively involved in the Chipley Woman’s Club and Garden Club. In 2006, she played a key role in reestablishing the Spanish Trail Playhouse and graciously hosted more than 75 cast parties in her home.

A woman of deep faith, Madalene was a founding member of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Chipley, where she served as the organist for many years. She lived her life according to her guiding principle: "I tried to let love guide my life—love for God, love for my family, and love for my friends."

Madalene was preceded in death by her parents, Murl Redus Coggin and Thelma Wells Coggin; her beloved husband, Jack Culpepper; and cousin, Nan Godfrey Locher.

She is survived by her daughter, Valerie Culpepper Park (James); granddaughter, Holly Park Dietrich (Christopher); grandson, Hunter Jackson Park; and great-grandchildren, Jackson, Cale, JB, and Whit. She is also survived by her cousin, Griff Godfrey.

Funeral services will be held at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church on Tuesday, October 7, at 2:00 PM, followed by interment at Glenwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church (CIP Fund) or to your favorite charity.

Brown Funeral Home & Blue Lake Crematory of Chipley, FL is in charge of arrangements.  Family and friends may sign the online register at www.brownfh.net