Judy Jane Culver gained her reward, made her entrance into heaven, and beheld the face of the One to whom she led a sold-out life—teaching generations about Him—on February 13, 2026.
Born as Judy Jane Cotton, her life was defined by faith, love, and quiet devotion to others. Judy was born on January 26, 1940, at Smith Hospital and was delivered by Dr. James Turner Smith, the first baby he delivered at that facility, to parents Garland William Cotton Sr. and Leta Mae Tolbert Cotton.
She was raised in the loving home of her grandparents, John “Rick” Richter Cotton and Dora Ada Hunnicutt Cotton, who played a profound role in shaping the woman she became. Determined that Judy be raised in church, her grandmother—affectionately known as “Mother”—learned to drive at the age of 52 so she could take her to First Baptist Church in Paris, a testament to the faith that would guide Judy throughout her life.
On January 26, 1956, Judy was surprised with a 16th birthday party that became a cherished family memory. Johnny Culver and Charlie Huber showed up, and it was the first time Judy and Johnny ever saw one another. On April 6, 1957, Judy and the love of her life, Johnny Culver, slipped away with close friends Bill and Anne Wiggins to Stigler, Oklahoma, where they were married. With the help of Judy’s grandmother, who purchased their wedding bands, the couple began a life together rooted in devotion and adventure. Judy and Johnny shared 68 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and meaningful memories. They enjoyed traveling together, visiting antique stores, and embracing life side by side—showing everyone around them what true love looks like.
On August 4, 1976, Judy and Johnny began Master Made Tanks, a venture built through hard work, faith, and perseverance. Judy took great pride in the business and in the people who became part of their extended family through it.
Judy was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She took pride in caring for her family, folding cloth diapers with love, and nurturing each generation with patience and grace. Her grandchildren and her “precious children from church” held a special place in her heart.
Faith remained central to Judy’s life. When asked where her love of music came from, she said it began by hearing her cousin, Louis Charles Koch, play the piano. That love of music became a lifelong joy and was clearly passed down to her children and grandchildren. Hymns, piano music, and worship were deeply meaningful to her. Old-fashioned hymns such as Precious Memories, Great Is Thy Faithfulness, Beulah Land, He Leadeth Me, When We All Get to Heaven, and Go Fly High were among her favorites and reflected the faith that guided her life. Scripture guided her daily walk as well, especially 1 Corinthians 15:58: “Your labor has not been in vain.”
Judy was deeply attentive to those around her. In everyday moments, she listened quietly, offered comfort without fanfare, and cared deeply for others. Even in difficult times, she remained thoughtful—helping write cards, guiding words of encouragement, and offering love through simple, meaningful gestures. Above all, Judy Culver lived a life of compassion, attentiveness, and unwavering faith. She loved deeply, served quietly, and leaves behind a legacy of grace that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents; her grandparents; and her infant brother, William Thomas Cotton. Judy is survived by her beloved husband, Johnny Lee Culver Sr. She is also survived by her children, Johnny Lee Culver Jr. (“Bullett”); Kristi Lynn Pfeiffer and her husband Steve Pfeiffer; and William Cotton Culver (“Bill”) and his wife Pam Culver. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Natalie Paige Pfeiffer Robberson and her husband Cody Robberson; Kaitlyn Alexandra Culver Wilson and her husband Hunter Wilson; and Brittany Fae Culver Reynolds and her husband Tyler Reynolds. She was a cherished great-grandmother to Emilee Jane Robberson, Lane Stephen Robberson, and Eli Carter Robberson, children of Cody and Natalie Robberson; Stetson Roy Wilson and Waylon James Wilson, children of Kaitlyn and Hunter Wilson; and Landry Jayde Needham, Rhett James Needham, and Lynnon Bailey Reynolds, children of Brittany and Tyler Reynolds. She is also lovingly remembered by a special niece, Shirley Jo Brown and her husband Jackie Brown; a special nephew, Steven Ray Culver and his wife Lisa Culver; a special cousin, Mary Bryant; her friends and extended family at Master Made Tanks; and friends too numerous to mention.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Caulksville Cumberland Presbyterian Church, with Bro. Bill VanMeter, Pastor Kellie Sprick, and her son Bill presiding. There will be no viewing or visitation. In lieu of flowers, Judy requested donations be made to the Charleston Dog Shelter, P.O. Box 118, Charleston, AR 72933. Honorary pallbearers will be her church kids, whom she loved dearly: Lexi Koch, Jace Koch, Colton Canada, Sadie Canada, Wyatt Canada, Ayla Peoples, Declan Tankersley, Amelia Jane Brown, and Harley Krigbaum. There will be a private family burial at Caulksville Cemetery under the direction of Shaffer Funeral Home of Ozark.
