of Little Rock, AR
May 17, 1937 - September 10, 2025
Martha Ligon Culp was born on May 17, 1937 to William Freeman and Ernestine Thompson Ligon in Arkadelphia AR. She passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on September 10, 2025, in Little Rock AR. Martha grew up in Delight, AR loving life. At age 17 her family moved to Prescott, AR where she spent her senior year involved in many activities including, cheerleading, basketball, sports editor for the school paper and homecoming court.
After graduation, she attended Henderson State Teachers College where she met the love of her life, her future husband, Roland Culp, who was one year ahead of her. Martha graduated with a degree in education in 3 years so he would not get away! After they married, she embarked on a 47-year career teaching 3rd, 4th and 5th grade math, science and music, in Des Arc, AR, Prescott, AR, Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, AR and finishing in Ft. Worth, TX.
She loved music and sang in the choir and played the piano and organ at First Methodist Church in Prescott for many, many years including the youth choir led by her sister Betty Formby.
She also loved dancing, singing, entertaining, playing bridge and was a fierce friend to many. Above all she treasured her family, all of it, from her grandparents, parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and last but not least her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Family reunions were very important to her.
Martha was a devoted wife, mother and follower of Christ. She lived and loved ''Big'' and positively impacted many lives through her teaching, her music, her hospitality, her cooking, her friendships, her passion for life and her great love for her family.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 42 years. She is survived by her brother, William F. Ligon, her sister Betty Formby (Buddy), 4 sons John (Roxie), Wayne (Pam), Jim (Paige), David, 7 grandchildren Haley Smith (Daniel), Rachel Talley (Graham), John Culp III (Hannah), Ben Culp, Griffin Culp, Ellis Culp, Greg Culp and 4 great grandchildren Kenlie Smith, John Winn Smith, Caroline Talley and Grace Talley.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, September 20, 2025, at First United Methodist Church in Hot Springs, AR, 1100 Central Ave. Burial will follow at De Ann Cemetery in Prescott. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the First United Methodist Church in Hot Springs or a charity of your choice.
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12 Condolence(s)
Barbara McCain Lowdermilk
Sunday, September 14, 2025
She was a very special person! She was one of my very favorite teachers. I remember we had a mock election in her class. My prayers are with your family in your time of loss!
Karen Taylor
Sunday, September 14, 2025
Praying for peace and joyful memories for the family. Martha made so many so many wonderful contributions during her years in Prescott.
Janet and Alex Gordon
Sunday, September 14, 2025
We send love and prayers to the boys and family. Martha was one of a kind! She will be playing the piano and organ for eternity. God bless this amazing family’. Love, Janet and Alex
Donna Graham
Sunday, September 14, 2025
My sincerest condolences to Martha’s family. She was a proud, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother! I taught with Martha at Prescott Elementary. Her son David and my son-in-law have been life long best friends. Martha was a talented musician, a gifted teacher, and never met a stranger!!! Rest in peace and love, Martha! (Love you, David!)
Rev. Joe Wilkerson
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Martha played our music for the worship service at Fox Ridge Senior Living on Chenal for 4 years. She will be missed by many at Fox Ridge. We were great friends and loved each other with God’s love.
My prayers will be for her family.
Cathey & Ken Turner
Saturday, September 13, 2025
To Betty and family,
We were so sadden to read about Martha. She and Roland were dear friends from our days as Reddies and afterward. Martha was always the most fun person and she had a wonderful life. We were blessed to share many memories. Prayers for her blessed family.
Ken and Cathey Turner
Joe Keene
Saturday, September 13, 2025
My prayers to Martha’s family! She always greeted friends with a big smile and a hug!
John Allen Sage
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Martha and I were in the same class at Prescott.
Many great memori.
Gladwin Connell
Saturday, September 13, 2025
My thoughts and prayers are with your family!
Shirley Nichols
Saturday, September 13, 2025
What a joy it was to know and work with Martha! She always managed to keep the rest of us focused and engaged with our students. I will be praying for peace and comfort for her family during this time of loss.
Brantly Buck
Saturday, September 13, 2025
My deepest sympathy for a not too distant relative. My grandmother, Lola Richardson Buck, was a first cousin to Martha’s father, William Freeman Ligon through Lola’s mother Mattie Watson Richardson. She was also a first cousin to her mother Ernestine Thompson Ligon, through her father Neanderthal Patrick Richardson. I have fond memories of stories about the family , especially great aunt Laura Richardson Thompson, whom I once met!
Jen Henry Fayad
Friday, September 12, 2025
Loved teaching with Martha at Pulaski Academy. Enjoyed listening to her stories about raising 4 boys!!!She always found something good in everyone.