Phyllis K. Culberson's Obituary
Phyllis Kathlyn Turner was born on July 13, 1950 at Homer G. Phillips Hospital in Saint Louis, Missouri to Emma Clodeal Pozsgay Fields and Joseph Kelly. She was lovingly raised by her mother and her stepfather, Joseph Pozsgay, who embraced her as his own daughter during a time of racial unrest and injustice.
As the eldest child, she naturally stepped into a caring role for her younger siblings, Leah and Paul. Her early years were spent in East St. Louis, Illinois, before the family settled in Centerville, Illinois, when she was in the fifth grade. A bright and dedicated student, she excelled academically, even skipping a grade to become the youngest in her class.
She attended JD Brown Elementary School and graduated from Cahokia High School in 1967. Gifted in many areas, Phyllis was a talented seamstress who often created her own clothes as well as for others. She also possessed a natural flair for drawing. Known affectionately as "Phi," she delighted in spending time with her cousins and friends, often traveling to Chicago for cherished visits.
During high school summers, Phyllis honed her skills at Mildred Louis Business School, later advancing her training at Hickey Business School. Her hard work and determination paid off when, just as she was preparing to move to Chicago, she was offered a coveted position at Union Electric.
As a young woman, Phyllis was influenced by her mother's devotion to prayer and intercession. She often returned home from evenings out to find her mother in fervent prayer. One evening, Phyllis attended a tent revival where she gave her heart to the Lord and was eventually baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost-in Jesus' Name.
This was the start of what many now know as Sis. Culberson, reflecting her commitment to her faith. As time passed, Sis. Phyllis joined House of Prayer to All Nations, where she met her beloved husband, Richard Culberson, a man newly devoted to his faith, along with his fun-loving son, Keith.
On November 2, 1974 they united in Holy Matrimony. Soon after, they made their home in North St. Louis, where Richard purchased a charming three-story brick house on Sullivan Street. Together they raised three beautiful daughters-Kristen, Regina and Angela Denise-creating a home where they celebrated birthdays and holidays while fellowshipping with many family and friends.
After some time, Phyllis chose to dedicate herself fully to raising her daughters by leaving her position at Union Electric. Her devotion extended beyond her own children as she became a trusted caregiver for her grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, embodying a heart of service to the extended family.
Sis. Culberson and her husband eventually joined House of Prayer West, where she became a dedicated and skilled administrative secretary, serving faithfully for over 25 years. She also taught children's Sunday School classes Sunday after Sunday, planting seeds of faith in countless young lives.
Sis. Culberson's life was marked by compassion and a servant's heart. She lovingly cared for her mother and sister in their later years, bringing comfort and peace to their final days. She embraced the role of matriarch in her family, offering wise counsel and prayer when called upon.
Throughout her journey, she found strength in prayer, the Word of God and family. Even in the face of health challenges, she chose to speak life over herself, accepting God's will with grace. She fought the good fight and leaves behind a legacy of faith, love and strength that will endure for generations.
On May 28, 2025, Sis. Phyllis Kathlyn Culberson's sunset arrived as she was surrounded by her loving family. She was preceded in death by her mother, Emma Clodeal Pozsgay Fields; her stepfather, Joseph Pozsgay; her sister, Leah Young and her father, Joseph Kelly.
She leaves to cherish her memory: her devoted husband ~ Richard Culberson; stepson ~ Keith Foster; daughters ~ Kristen Culberson, Regina Thompson (Terrance) and Angela Denise Culberson; grandchildren ~ Tamia Jenkins and Richard Thompson; brother ~ Paul Pozsgay (Allison); half-sister ~ Damita Kelly Senic; stepsister ~ Patrice White; and a host of loving cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Phyllis?
What’s a lesson you learned from Phyllis?
Share a story where Phyllis' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Phyllis you’ll never forget.
How did Phyllis make you smile?
