The staff at the Picayune Item was saddened to learn of the passing of District II Pearl River County Supervisor Joyce Culpepper.

Culpepper didn’t necessarily choose the political life. Instead she stepped up after the death of her husband, the late Charles Culpepper.

While Joyce Culpepper wasn’t the most outspoken board member, when it came to her decisions and beliefs she stood strong. She was dedicated to serving her constituents and making their well being her top priority.

Culpepper was financially conservative and stuck to her budget decisions once she made them.

She was also an unbelievably strong woman.

Any woman who takes on the responsibilities of a political leader in the midst of mourning the loss of her husband should be revered and respected.

It’s unfortunate Culpepper was not able to serve out the remainder of her term. We’re sure she would have continued to protect the residents in her district and listen to their concerns.

Culpepper was not just a politician.

She was a Christian, a mother, a grandmother and a sister.

Culpepper was an active member of Ford’s Creek Baptist Church and obviously had a strong faith in God to persevere in times of adversity.

She was the mother of Michelle Carr and Keith Culpepper. The mother-in-law of Damon Carr and Sandra Culpepper and the grandmother of Connor Welborn, Karley Culpepper, Lana Welborn, Logan Culpepper and Jacob Culpepper. She was a sister to Gerald Keaton, Steve Keaton, Delores James and Paula Jane Horn.

While she will be greatly missed by her family and loved ones, she will also be greatly missed by the people she met and got to know.

It’s a unique opportunity in life to be able to serve your community and contribute to the lives of people around you and that is what Culpepper did.

That is her legacy and it is a legacy to be proud of.