Darlene M. Culp

CHRISTIAN OBITUARY

Darlene Mae (Nicholson) Culp

Darlene Mae (Nicholson) Culp, 72 years of age, completed her life’s race here on earth and went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Tuesday, January 26, 2016. She resided in Blairsville where she lived with her husband, William O. Culp.

The second of four children to Allen and Eva (Shannon) Nicholson, Darlene was born May 22, 1943 in Latrobe, Westmoreland County, PA. She graduated from Derry High School in 1961. After graduation, she worked at Blairsville Westinghouse until she quit to become a full-time housewife and mother. After raising her family, Darlene was employed as a secretary at Conveyor Services for five years. She ended her employment career in 2010 after retiring from A C Miller Concrete Products in Blairsville as office manager for a total of 18 ½ years.

Darlene and her husband just celebrated 52 years of marriage. They were not just husband and wife, but best friends. William O. Culp and Darlene M. Nicholson were married September 27, 1963 at the Blairsville Christian and Missionary Alliance Church by Rev. Howard J. Hansen. She is survived by two children, Darla R. Klingensmith of Homer City and Colonel Kevin W. Culp and wife, June of Mascoutah, IL.

At the time of her death, Darlene, was a faithful and active member of the Blairsville Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. Her love of God and love of family were the most important two things in life. Darlene led a consistent Christian life reaching out to friends and family and tried to make a difference in their lives. In addition to being organist and singing on the Praise Team at her church, she was involved in many other ministries over the years. Singing was a gift from God that she started using as a child. She was a long-time member of the Nightengals, who sing at various local functions, and also the Blairsville Monday Music Club.

She loved the beauty of the outdoors by adorning her yard with flowers. Reunions with extended family member at Elizabethtown were unforgettable. Her grandchildren were so precious in her eyes and she tried to be a godly example to them. The summer of 2015 was a most memorable summer.   It was spent swimming and eating with family at Marlene (sister) and Bob Couch’s.

In addition to her husband and children, Darlene is survived by her five grandchildren, Robert C. Klingensmith, Jr., Christin R. Klingensmith and William A. Klingensmith of Homer City and Sarah L. Culp and Hannah K. Culp of Mascoutah, IL; siblings, Eileen Yellets and husband, Paul of Blairsville; Ray Nicholson and wife, Liz of Derry and Marlene Couch and husband, Robert of Indiana; a brother-in-law, Glenn Culp and wife, Claudine of Canal Winchester, OH and many nieces, nephews and cousins that are all part of a loving and close-knit family.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents; her father, Allen F. Nicholson in 1989; her mother, Eva M. (Shannon) Nicholson in 2010 and a son-in-law, Robert C. Klingensmith, Sr. in 2011.

The family would like to thank all the caregivers from Excela Health Home Care and Hospice team and Excela Health Latrobe Hospital for their loving help.

Family members and her many loving friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 P.M. Friday, January 29, at the Shoemaker Funeral Home, Inc., 49 N. Walnut St., Blairsville, Pa. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 30, at the Blairsville Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. Pastor John McMannus will officiate a service of Praise and Christian celebration.

Interment will be in Blairsville Cemetery, Blairsville, PA.

Contributions may be made to the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, 135 East Burrell St., Blairsville, PA 15717.