On Thursday morning, Pearl River County Supervisor Joyce Culpepper passed.

Culpepper was a retired supervisor with Movie Star, Inc. and came to become District two supervisor after the passing of her husband Charles Culpepper, who was that district’s supervisor at the time.

Joyce Culpepper stepped up after her husband’s passing to temporarily take his place until she was elected.

“Joyce was an extremely compassionate lady who took the job of supervisor very seriously,” said Pearl River County Director of Economic Development Ed Pinero.

Pinero said he knew Joyce Culpepper for 10 years and became close with her and Charles when he started working for the county.

“I’m going to personally miss her because she’s also a friend,” Pinero said.

Supervisor Anthony Hales said he was familiar with Joyce Culpepper when he served with Charles Culpepper on the board, but really got to know her after Charles Culpepper passed.

“I learned to respect Mrs. Joyce,” Hales said. “She was a very strong-willed person and fought for what she believed in.”

Hales said Joyce Culpepper fought through some adversities when she first became supervisor and accepted the office despite mourning her husband.

“Mrs. Joyce demanded and commanded respect and she deserved respect,” Hales said.

Supervisor Sandy Kane Smith said it was an honor to serve with Joyce Culpepper.

“She was a quiet and soft-spoken lady, but when she spoke she meant what she said and when she had her mind made up there was no changing it,” Smith said.

Pinero said she took her job very personal, which is what made her such a good supervisor.

“She was diligent in seeking out information to make the right decisions,” Hales said. “She was very mindful of the people she represented.”

Supervisor Dennis Dedeaux said Joyce Culpepper always had a smile on her face and was a pleasant person to work with.

“She’s going to be dearly missed,” Dedeaux said.

“She loved her family and county and will be sadly missed,” Smith said.

Joyce Culpepper was an active member of Ford’s Creek Baptist Church. She was also a former EMT with Acadian Ambulance Service.

Joyce Culpepper was the mother of Michelle Carr and Keith Culpepper and had five grandchildren, Connor Welborn, Karley Culpepper, Lana Welborn, Logan Culpepper and Jacob Culpepper.

Visitation will be tonight from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. at White Funeral Home in Poplarville. Services will take place Saturday at 11 a.m. at Ford’s Creek Baptist Church on 2752 Ford’s Creek Rd. in Poplarville.