Kimberly Parson Culler

My name is Kimberly Parson Culler, and I died on Friday, January 22, 2021. I decided to write my own obituary because they are usually written in a couple of different ways that I just don't care for. Either family or friends gather together and list every minor accomplishment from cradle to grave in a timeline format, or they try and create one poetic last stanza about someone's life that is so glowing one would think the deceased had been the living embodiment of a deity. I don’t like the timeline format because, let’s face it, I never really accomplished anything of note other than helping raise a beautiful, sweet, blonde headed little girl, taking care of all my precious pets over the years, and accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Savior when I was a young girl, I have done very little else. None of which requires obit space that we have to shell out money for. I also didn't want my few friends or relatives sitting around writing a glowing report of me, which we all know would be filled with fish tales, half- truths, and outright lies, and no I did not light up the room when I walked into one, lol.

So, the truth, or my version of it is this: I just tried to do the best I could. Sometimes I succeeded and sometimes I failed, but I tried. For all of my crazy comments, critiquing and complaints, I really did love people. The only thing that separates me from anyone else is the type of sin each of us participated in. I didn't always do the right thing or say the right thing, and when you come to the end of your life, these are the things you really regret, the small, simple things that hurt others.

My life was not perfect and I encountered many bumps in the road. I would even totally scrap some years of my life. But mostly I enjoyed living as much as I could. Some parts of it were harder than others, but I learned something from every bad situation, and I couldn't do any more than that. Besides, there are some benefits to dying. For example, I am no longer afraid of pain, wicked people, bad dreams, or being abandoned. I don't have to worry about wars, injustice, animal cruelty, loneliness, finances, or toilet paper shortages! (ha, just funnin on that last one).

Some folks told me that writing my own obituary was morbid, but I think it is great because I get a chance to say thank you to all the people who helped me along the way. Those who loved me, assisted me, cared for me, laughed with me, and taught me things, so that I could have a wonderful life. I was blessed beyond measure by knowing all of you. That is what made my life worthwhile.

If you think of me, and would like to do something in honor of my memory, do this:

-          Volunteer at an animal shelter, church, school, hospice, or soup kitchen.

-          Write a letter to someone and tell them how they have had a positive impact on your life.

-          If you smoke, quit.

-          In you drink and drive, stop.

-          Turn off the electronics and take a child out for ice cream and talk to them about their hopes and dreams.

-          Adopt a pet from an animal shelter and give it a loving forever home.

AND

-          Make someone smile today if it is in your power to do so.

There will be a private family graveside for me.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Love,

Kim