Obituary of Dorothy L. Culbertson

Dorothy Lorraine Culbertson was born to John and Lessie Hawkins on March 29, 1941 Dorothy was the baby of the family, and the apple of her father’s eye. Dot or Dottie, as she was lovingly called was educated in the Camden Public School system at an early age. She later attended Camden County College, and Rutgers University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in sociology. Being a competitive student Dorothy was not to be out done, as she earned one of the highest GPAs and landed herself on the National Dean list during her years at Rutgers. Dorothy went on to work for the Camden County Board of Social Services for nearly 30 years before her retirement. Dorothy was a member of Community Baptist Church in Camden, NJ until the death of their beloved pastor Vernon Fussell. Illness kept her from attending church in the traditional manner, but she remained ever vigilant in her belief in God. She often reached out, and requested prayer for herself, and others. She had also been a member of Church of God Saints of Christ under the direction of Bishop Ralph Green in previous years of her Christian walk. Dorothy was a shy and quiet woman outside of her own family members, and close friends. She would often sit and reminisce about the struggles before graduating college. Some of them are fond memories. She talked often about the Foggy Bottom, the reference to downtown Camden. Growing up there, and how they made the best of what they had, and had fun while in the process. She spoke about how her mom cooked for the railroad, and port workers, and held on to a pot of her mothers that is more than 100 years old still in use. She spoke about having fun with her siblings and their Friday night hang out spots, where they like to hang out and dance. Her impromptu parties with her brother John and his friends. She laughed, how she would chase away her dad’s lady friends after her mother’s death, because she was his baby. These memories would be laughter over and over no matter how many times they were told. She had a heart made of gold, and would take in, and care for people not expecting anything in return. She would fuss about it sometimes, all the while her heart would be in it. If you really knew Dottie then you know that she had a Master’s Degree in shopping. Her famous phrase was pay your bills, then pay yourself. Her wardrobe rivaled some of the best department stores. Strawbridges, and Lane Bryants were her favorite haunts, and anyone willing to drive her would get caught up in hours of shopping. She was a wizard at math, and nicknamed the, “Receipt Queen.” You have to understand this, if you were sent to the store for her because she did not drive, and you were given a list, and always enough money, you better be able to settle that receipt versus the change you were returning to her. She would scrutinize the receipts. We always laughed about this. No one talked to mom while they were ringing her purchases, and she was not leaving the store until that receipt was reckoned. If you really knew Dottie then you know, she loved her boys Billy, and Troy. We laugh because when both are in the room at the same time she calls Billy Troy, and Troy Billy. Every struggle, and every come up for her was always about her two boys. They were first , and every consideration she made in life, she did it with them in mind. She loved to spoil them, and would often drag them along shopping. They didn’t mind because it always came with a bribe and reward. She was proud of her boys, and their accomplishments. She was always their biggest cheerleader. Nothing kept her away from them too long. Whether miles away MOM would be on her way. Even in adulthood, manhood they were her babies, and she remained the consummate Momma Bear. She loved when they would come together, and have family game night whether it was board games or cards she would always win. When she was tired, she had a way of saying,”I’ll be right back,” with no intentions of returning she would climb into bed. Mom used to make the declaration the next morning after family game night, “I’m sick as 25 dogs.” None of us knew exactly what that meant, but the saying was adopted by us if we over indulged in something, and we would all have a good laugh. If you really knew Dot aka Nana, aka, Grandmom, aka, GG then you know second to her own kids, grandkids ruled. From the oldest who would enter the room, and yell, “Hey Baby,” and she would smile, and say, “Troy, Troy. To the second oldest Joshua who would plant wet kisses on her, and she yelled, “stop while laughing. The weekend crew hanging at her house Sabir, Amir, and Dean that have said, and done the funniest things that made her laugh, Brayce who she called a rebel, and would often call and check on him, and then her only granddaughter Heaven where she recounted the story of how her sister did her only granddaughters hair, something she had waited years to do, and how mad she was. We later laughed with her, as she retold the story. Then GG Great Grandma happened in 2019, she was feeling optimistic and thought God would call her home before his birth. GG was not only there but in attendance, at his baby shower. Christmas, birthday, graduations, sports elevation you name it Nana, aka, Grandmom, aka GG would be in attendance, and later when she couldn’t be present overflowing love, through phone calls, cards, presents would be represented. She was a stickler for higher education, and would support and encourage you to keep reaching. She got to witness her first grandchild graduate college ,and her other grandchildren march with accolades. After her daughter in law decided to pursue another degree, she flew 3000 to watch her graduate. This is the kind of dedication that she poured into her family. If you wanted her undivided attention just talk about your future pursuits, and dreams she would be there to make sure it was not a dream deferred through advice, and support. Over the years of her illness Dot has had several caregivers. She developed a very special relationship with one Surlena Verdell. They spent many days laughing, and kidding together as they bonded. She leaves to mourn her devoted sons: Troy Culbertson, Wiillam Culbertson (Kettisa) Grandsons: Troy, Joshua, Sabir, Brayce, Amir, Dean, GrandDaughter: Heaven Great Grandson: Trent Predeceased by siblings: William, Eunice James, Vaudra, John, Clarence, Lillian. Also mourning: a loving group of Lifelong friends, Mommy Barbara, Pie, Penny, and Peaches. A host of nieces, nephews, extended family, co-workers, and good neighbors.