Betty Mae Phillips Culley

Betty Mae Phillips Culley, age 86, of Newark, Delaware, went to her home in glory on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. She was born on October 9, 1938 in Morton’s Gap, Kentucky to William Phillips and Marie Stanley Phillips. Betty graduated from Madisonville High School in Madisonville, KY where she participated in the marching band. She played flute, then learned to play the alto saxophone when the position opened up. She later was involved in church music by playing the piano, organ, and the flute as well as singing. She found great joy in being a wife, and she and her husband, Gerald Culley were married for sixty-five years. She loved being a homemaker, eating out with Jerry and friends, and always said, “never say no to dessert!” Betty enjoyed traveling with her husband. Together they visited England, Greece, Alaska, Hawaii, and a five-week road trip to the western United States. They especially enjoyed going on cruises. Betty loved spending time with her daughters and their husbands as well, and her grandchildren grew up on the big breakfasts she often made for the gang. Serving them delicious French Toast was one of her love languages! She was an avid reader and loved to crochet. Betty was a Bible study leader for women’s groups, a journaller, and was a moderator for an internet group Women Encouraging Women. She and her husband were currently members of Newark Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Joan, her daughter Heather Culley Bowman, and granddaughter Beatrice Marie White. She is survived by her husband, Gerald R. Culley, and her daughters Allison (Wayne) Thorp, and Sabrina (Fred) Justison. Betty is also survived by her grandchildren: Kaitlyn Thorp, Samuel (Amanda) White, Kyle Thorp, Rebekah (Casey) Groop, Hannah (Jeremy) Wooten, Jacob White, and Jonah White. She is also survived by five great-grandchildren: T.J., Sloane, Dexter, Michael, and Miles. Services will be on Thursday, August 28 at Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans Road, Newark, Delaware. A public visitation will be held from 2-3 PM followed by a service in celebration of Betty’s life beginning at 3 PM. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Betty’s name to Blue Hens for Christ in care of Newark Church of Christ, 91 Salem Church Rd., Newark, DE 19713. The family wishes to express their profound gratitude to the marvelous members of the Accent Care Hospice team who provided such diligent and compassionate care over the past 6 months, with special gratitude to each member of the hospice unit at Christiana Hospital who cared for Betty and her whole family with honor and gentleness over the last week of her time with us. For directions to the service or to send an online condolence, please visit www.stranofeeley.com Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home 302-731-5459

Betty Mae Phillips Culley

October 9, 1938 - August 19, 2025

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