Perline Tutor

Click here to view service

On April 13, 2025, Perline Tutor, our precious mother and grandmother, was called home to be with the Lord at the glorious age of 97 in Temple, Texas.

Born on April 30, 1927, in Whitehouse, Texas, Perline was the beloved daughter of Frank and Linnie Hamilton. In December of 1946, she married Tony Culp, and together they lovingly raised six children in a home grounded in Christian faith and filled with love.

Perline lived nearly a century with a heart full of grace and a quiet, gentle spirit rooted in her love for the Lord. She was the embodiment of kindness, selflessness, and unconditional love. A calming presence to all who knew her, she found joy in prayer and gospel music—especially when her children sang together—strength in scripture, and peace in the promises of eternal life. She shared her faith through kindness, compassion, and an unyielding trust in God’s plan.

Known for her warm, nurturing spirit and simple words of wisdom, Perline brought light and love into every room she entered. Her greatest joy was her family—she created a home where love and laughter were abundant, and God was the foundation for everything. Her home was a sanctuary–a place of comfort and safety for all who entered. She expressed her love through home-cooked meals, especially her legendary mac and cheese, cherished by her grandchildren–a comforting reminder of the love she poured into everything she did.

She is lovingly remembered by her sons, Ronnie (Jennie) Culp, Douglas (Vera) Culp, Jerry Culp, and her daughters, Verline (Don) Green, Letha (Gary) Rice, and Mary Harper. She also leaves behind a treasured legacy in her 15 grandchildren—Chad, Melissa, Cherie, Angela, Deanna, Tanya, Corey, Mike, Chris, Cody, Vanessa, Lonnie, Lauren, Gregg, and Andrea—35 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward her love and wisdom.

Perline was preceded in death by her third husband, Bill Tutor (1985); her second husband, Wilbert Ackley (1981); and her first husband, Tony Culp (1971); as well as her twin sister, Earline, sister Annie Mae, brother Melvin, daughters-in-love Martha Culp and Barbara Culp, son-in-love Melvin Harper, two great-grandsons—Anthony Morales and Chance Carter—and many dear friends and family members who welcomed her into eternal rest.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a viewing on April 17, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Dossman Funeral Home in Belton, Texas. A celebration of Perline’s life will be held the following morning, April 18, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the same location, officiated by Pastor Randy Holtzclaw of Davilla Assembly of God. Burial will follow at Copperas Cove Cemetery, 415 East Avenue A, Copperas Cove, TX where she will be laid to rest next to Tony—reunited after 54 years.

Serving as pallbearers are her grandsons Chad Culp, Corey Culp, Mike Vivaldi, Chris Culp, Cody Culp, and Lonnie Lawrence—each honored to carry their grandmother to her final resting place.

Though she may no longer walk beside us, her love will continue to comfort us for generations. Just as Isaiah 66:13 reminds us, “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.”