Betty Minerva Culpepper, affectionately known as "Lil Sis," departed this life on May 12, 2026, at her home in Columbia, Maryland.

A native of Lynchburg, Virginia, she devoted her life to education, family, and service. She was the beloved daughter of the late Roosevelt Culpepper and Agnes Louise Head Culpepper Witcher.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Glenn Head Sr. and Viola Sims Head; paternal grandparents, John Culpepper and Bessie Kelley Culpepper; siblings Anna Bernice "Peedee" Culpepper, Glenn Head "Muckie" Culpepper, and Roosevelt "Dee" Culpepper; and nieces and nephews Denice D. Davis, Debra G. Culpepper, Keith A. Culpepper, and Michael Culpepper.

A 1959 graduate of Dunbar High School in Lynchburg, Virginia, Betty graduated at the top of her class and participated in many organizations, including the Latin Club. She continued her education at Kent State University, Howard University, and Catholic University, leading to a distinguished career as a librarian with the DC Library, Howard County Library, Howard University, and the Library of Congress. Betty had a giver's heart. She believed deeply in education, encouraged every generation of her family, and was always ready to help with life's challenges, reminding everyone, "We are family."

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted nieces and nephews: Godfrey "Gary" Culpepper, Lisa Culpepper Beverley, Sandra M. Haythe (Gregory), and Veronica "Rhonda Mae" Spinner; great-nieces and great-nephews Qiana M. Beverley, Jhamal X. Beverley, LaShelle P. Williams, Chantel C. Walton, Brandon Davis, and Michael Culpepper; together with numerous great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews, cousins, extended family members, and many cherished friends.

Betty will be remembered as a loving daughter, devoted sister, treasured aunt, faithful friend, respected librarian, gifted researcher, mentor, confidante, and a shining example of putting family first. Her legacy of generosity, scholarship, and love will live on forever.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory -Lynchburg on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 1:00 PM.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.