Mrs. Denise Culpepper Thompson

Passed away on Thursday, December 11. 2025 at the age of 74 years. Denise Culpepper Thompson will live always in our hearts as she continues her peaceful rest that began on December 11, 2025. Denise on May 8, 1951, was born into the family of Freeman and Beatrice Goss Culpepper, who had come to Saginaw, Michigan from Columbus, Georgia. Her father passed away in 1999, her mother in 2005. Denise Culpepper was a student in Saginaw Public Schools. After transferring from Saginaw High School, she attained her diploma from St. Joseph Adult High School. After the birth of her son, Robert Earl, she worked as a waitress while studying for her Nurse’s Aide Certification. She continued her profession and later served at Maccabee Gardens and Saginaw Geriatrics, closing her career with 10 years of service at Hoyt Nursing and Rehab. She also worked in the kitchens at First Ward Community Center and Restoration Community Outreach. She was a proud patron at Elks Epicurian Lodge where her mother was the longtime Daughter Ruler. The wedding date for Denise and Michael Thompson was May 21, 1982. She and her loving husband grieved the loss of a stillborn son later that year which led them to treasure her grandchildren all the more. She spoiled her grandkids, loved to cook delicious meals for her family and friends. Denise had a heart of gold and would give the shirt off her back to help others. Every year on July 4th she and Mike hosted their annual Bar-B-Que with family, neighbors and a host of friends. She had a special gift of shopping and unbelievable decorating skills that she freely shared. Mrs. Denise Thompson will be missed by her devoted husband, Michael Thompson; son, Robert Earl Culpepper (fiance’e, Stacy Dugan); grandchildren, LaBria, Brandy, Robert, Jr., Bryant, Andrianna, Shakeya, Bobbi, Travion, and Debra; great-grandchildren, Robert, Jr., Kymaria, Brielle, Jace, Athena, Marlon “ Mr. 3”, Genesis and Christian; godson, Nathan. She adopted many others at various occasions in her life. Her brothers, Freeman, Jr., Bill and Leroy; sisters Gloria, Margaret and Griselda. Denise is the first of her siblings to RIP. She leaves other relatives, friends the number is too great to list (everybody was her family). Close friends, you know who you are. Denise would simply encourage all of us to give from our hearts in daily acts of kindness and love, especially toward children. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at New Life Baptist Ministries, 1401 Janes St., Saginaw, Michigan 48601. Pastor Craig Tatum, Host Pastor and Pastor Tony Monroe will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery, 3210 S. Washington Ave., Saginaw, MI 48601. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Friday, December 19, 2025 from 2:00-7:00 p.m. Extended visitation will take place on Saturday, December 20, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Mrs. Denise Culpepper Thompson

May 8, 1951 - December 11, 2025