Obituary for Martha Ann Culley
Martha Ann (Hancock) Culley, 90, of Harrisburg, IL, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, September 24th, 2023.
Martha was born on April 23rd, 1933 in Harrisburg to the Honorable Lynndon M. Hancock and Mary Ann (Hetherington) Hancock. Martha was the second daughter of three to the couple.
Martha attended Harrisburg High School and graduated in 1951. Martha was always very artistic. During her high school years, she entered an art contest to create the new Harrisburg Bulldog Mascot. Martha’s drawing won and is still used to this day. After graduating Harrisburg High School in 1951, Martha then went on to the University of Illinois and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree. Martha was always very involved and was a part of several clubs both in high school and college, a letter girl, on the year book committee, Miss Saline County Runner Up and was very involved in her sorority— Alpha Chi Omega— at the University of Illinois.
Martha grew up attending the 1st Presbyterian Church in Harrisburg. Martha married Harold B. “Duke” Culley, Jr.in the chapel at the Presbyterian Church in November of 1954. Martha and Harold had four children together; David Alan, Lynda Rene, Mary Ann, and John Michael Culley.
Martha was a case worker at the Department of Public Aid in Harrisburg from 1966-1993, when she retired.
Throughout her adult life, Martha was known as the life of the party—Party Marty. She loved to collect dolls, beautiful antiques, and loved to be surrounded by unique, one-of-a-kind items. Martha’s homes always looked like something out of a movie—and so did she. Martha’s real impression on the world was her sense of fashion and how she carried herself. Martha was always dressed to the nines and hardly ever wore the same outfit twice. She dressed up for the grocery store and always had her nails and hair done to perfection. Martha was a fashion and style icon that her family adored to see.
Martha was loved by many—especially her bridge club. She loved playing competitive bridge and looked forward to it weekly. Martha was also previously involved with the Garden Club, Harrisburg District Library and always made it a point to attend all the birthday parties, holiday gatherings and celebrations in her family’s lives with a bottle of champagne in hand. Martha always gave the best gifts and always left a red lipstick print on cheeks and foreheads.
Martha is survived by her children David (Ann) Culley of Atlanta, GA, Lynda (Jeff) Kotner of Harrisburg, IL, Mary (TR) Murphy of Eldorado, IL and John Culley of Marion, IL; sister, Cynthia Jane (Hancock) Guard of Louisiana, grandchildren Chief Warrant Officer 3 Lynndon Kyle (Christie) Vinyardof Cañon City, Colorado, Nicholas Culley King of Sarasota, FL, Rachel Ann(Kalin) Benjamin of Salem, IL, Hayley Alexandra Kotner of Harrisburg, IL, Harris Thomas (Amanda) Culley of Atlanta, GA, Schuyler Culley Kotner of Harrisburg, IL, Samuel Hunt (Julia) Culley of Atlanta, GA, Holly Hetherington Kotner of Eldorado, IL, and Andrew Rosser Culley of Austin, TX; great grandchildren Reece William Hooker of Clinton, IL, Paisley Alexandra Henley of Harrisburg, IL, Shawnee Josephine Henley of Harrisburg, IL, Edwin “Win” Thomas Culley of Atlanta, GA and Julian Klein Culley of Atlanta, GA; several nieces and nephews, cousins and many dear friends.
Martha is preceded in death by her parents, Judge L. M. Hancock and Mary Ann Hancock; sister, Mary Alice Garrison; beloved cousin Mary Lou Burnett and several aunts and cousins she adored and loved.
Martha will be dearly missed by her family and community. A celebration of Martha’s life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements in care of the J. M. Weirauch Funeral Home in Harrisburg, Illinois.
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