Funeral program for Effie H. Culmer

SUNRISE: SEPTEMBER 5,1925 ~ SUNSET: MAY 26,2016
Saturday, June 11,2016
12:00 Noon
ST. LUKE BAPTIST CHURCH
- Daisy, Georgia 30417 -
Reverend C.L. Anderson, Officiating
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Harper Funeral Home, Directing
We remember, we honor and we celebrate Effie's life today; for her
outlook and inner strengths, her beliefs and goodness, her unique talents and
extraordinary gifts made her relationships with family, friends and all who
loved her a living testimony worthy of being proclaimed by those gathered here
today. Feeling enriched for having known her and so grateful for our time
with her, very thankful for the way she positively affected, sincerely inspired
and consistently affirmed for us, that this is how a Beautiful Life was and
should be lived.
On September 5,1925 the late Reverend George Washington Houston
and Carrie Williams Houston welcomed the second of seven blessings, Effie
Ann Houston. Effie was raised and lovingly nurtured along with her siblings in a
close knit Christian family with high moral standards and a strong work ethic.
Effie was practically bom in the church as the family lived just steps away from
the house of worship. At an early age, she accepted Christ as her personal Lord
and Savior and joined St. Luke Baptist Church in Daisy, Georgia. As a young
adult in Miami, she reaffirmed her commitment to the Lord and placed her
membership at St. John Missionary Baptist Church. Upon moving to Liberty
City, she joined Drake Memorial Baptist Church where she sang in the choir and
worked with the Simday school. In 1984, her spiritual path led her to New
Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church where she was a faithful and dedicated
servant. She looked forward to Sunday service and was known for being
beautifully adorned in her elegant outfits and stunning hats. She was a loyal
supporter of all church programs and activities and was a member of the
Women's Ministry, Willing Workers Ministry, and an active Simday school
member until her health failed. Serving God was always an essential part of
Effie's life and she remained groimded in her faith up until her last breath.
Effie attended Dickerson Training (boarding) School in Vidalia, Georgia
and received her high school diploma in 1946. A few years after graduation, she
married her childhood sweetheart and to this imion they were blessed with a
daughter, Gwendolyn. Sadly, her young husband died while on active duty in the
navy, leaving her a widow at twenty-five. Shortly after his death she relocated to
Miami, Florida to pursue better job opportunities. She worked various jobs in
different fields, but having a strong desire to personally excel, being
academically ambitious with a desire to advance in the work force, she enrolled
in Miami Dade Community College where she earned her Associate of Arts
Degree. Shortly after attaining her degree, she was hired by Richards
Department Store (Downtown Miami), where she worked for seventeen years
advancing from a gift wrapper to supervisor of alterations and elevator
operators. In 1972, she was joined in holy matrimony to Cameron Culmer and
they were blessed with 44 years of marriage. After her children were grown and
while continuing to work full time, she obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree
in Professional and Liberal Arts from Barry University. Always an advocate for
people and especially the welfare of children, she pursued avenues that would
fulfill that passion.
In 1973 she joined the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services (HRS)
as a social worker in the Children and Family Services Program, she advocated
for foster care children and served as Guardian ad Litem for them in legal matters,
court proceedings and placement. She worked diligently, above and beyond the
call of duty for seventeen years in this career before retiring in 1990. Rest and
relaxation could not fill the void that she felt for her diminished contacts and
interactions with children. To fill that void she became a dedicated substitute
teacher for 10 years and was sought after daily for assignments and often for long
term positions. She truly loved working with young children and continued to
share loving and humorous stories about them.
Her deep faith and her desire to help others were driving forces in Effie's
life which was evident in her passion for giving back through community service.
She was a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami for ten years.
As a Big Sister volxmteer, she mentored and served as a role model for two
Little Sisters whom she positively impacted. She was also an active member of
One Church One Child for many years which advocated for church members, one
at a time, to pursue adoption of dependent children. Effie was also a proud
member Iota Phi Lambda Sorority where she actively supported and participated
in their many youth related projects.
The battle is fought. The victory has been won and now she has entered the
Master'sjoy.
On Thursday, May 26, 2016 Effie Ann Houston Culmer made her
spiritual transition to her eternal home to join her parents and siblings (3 sisters
and a brother) who preceded her. She leaves behind a legacy filled with
unconditional love and total devotion to family, church and fiiends. To cherish
her memories and to celebrate her life, she leaves her husband, Cameron Culmer;
devoted daughter, Gwendolyn Bryant, son, Donald Williams, sisters, Clara
Roundtree (Edward) and Edwina Averette (Sammie) of Savannah Georgia, nine
grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and
fiiends.
23rd Psalm
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not
want. He maketh me to lie down in
green pastures: he leadeth me beside the
still waters. He restoreth my soul: he
leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
for his names sake. Yea, though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of
death, I will fear no evil: for thou art
with me; thy rod and thy staff they
comfort me. Thou preparest a table
before me in the presence of mine
enemies: thou anointest my head with
oil; my cup runneth over. Surely
goodness and mercy shall follow me all
the days of my life: and I will dwell in
the house of the LORD for ever.
PRESIDING..............................Reverend Vince Harrington
No Limit Baptist Church
Warner Robins, Ga
PROCESSIONAL
INVOCATION................................Evangelist Lerah Davis
SCRIPTURE
Old Testament.........23'^ Psalm Sis. Delieth Wright (Niece)
New Testament...................Evangelist Adrienne Ricks
PRAYER OF COMFORT......................Reverend Vince Harrington
SELECTION...............................................Choir
POEM..............Crossing The Bar Ms. Jamie Bryant (Granddaughter)
MOMENTS OF REFLECTION......................(Limit to 2 minutes please)
(A time to think, a time to pray and a time to reflect upon
the life of Sister Eflie H. Culmer)
As A Neighbor....................................Sis. Clara Brewton
As a Classmate...................................Sis. Mamie F. Baker
As a Family Friend...............................Sis. Helen Anderson
SOLO..............................Evangelist Stella G. Stewart
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS...................Harper Funeral Home Staff
OBITUARY.............................(read silently to music)
SELECTION............................................Choir
EULOGY..................................Reverend C.L. Anderson
FINAL VIEWING
BENEDICTION
RECESSIONAL
PALLBEARERS
Family Members
-TO Those i love-
When I am gone, just release me, let me go-so I can move into my afterglow.
You mustn't tie me down with your tears; let's be happy that we had so many years.
I gave you my love, you can only guess how much you gave me happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown, but now it's time I traveled on alone.
So grieve for me awhile, if grieve you must, then let your grief be comforted with trust.
It's only for a while that we must part, so bless the memories within your heart.
And then, when you must come this way alone. I'll greet you with a smile and a
Welcome Home .
IN Appreciation
The family of the late Effie Houston Culmer wish to extend to you our heartfelt
appreciation and deep gratitude for your many expressions of love and acts of
kindness shown to us dining our time of bereavement. With grateful hearts, we
pray that Gods blessings will sustain you as it has us; that his mercy and grace
will be with you always.
The Family
Special thanks to Dr. Charles Shenker and staff and her caregivers for the kind,
loving and compassionate care they gave our beloved wife, mother, sister,
grandmother and friend.
INTERMENT
Mt. Olive Baptist Church Cemetery
Claxton, Georgia
REPAST
St. Luke Baptist Church
Fellowship Hall
HARPER FUNERAL HOME
125 Broad Street Claxton, GA *912.739.2658
TUC PRIimNG COMPANY* (305) 623-7592