Obituary of Mari Heines Culver

Mari Heines Culver, 77, of Cropwell, Alabama passed away at her home on Sunday, July 9, 2023. She was born on June 13, 1946, in Evansville, Indiana to Francis Heines and Mildred Schatz Heines. A funeral mass and rosary will take place at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church at 11:00 am on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, with burial following at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. She attended the University of Evansville and later received her BA and MA from Jacksonville State University in Alabama. She lived in California, Okinawa, and Colorado before settling in Alabama. In 1977, she opened her cake decorating business, Mari's Artistic Cake Trims in Anniston. A couple of the notable cakes that she created were a life-sized cake of Richard Petty's racing car and a 15 ft x 5 ft replica of Bibb Graves Hall for Jacksonville State University's centennial celebration. In the 80s Mari continued to share her creativity through teaching candy making and cake decorating classes. She closed her business in the 90s and worked for the Diocese of Birmingham and other service organizations. She served as an officer or member for the Alabama Volunteers in Corrections Calhoun Chapter, Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), and the Legion of Mary. In her later years, she studied Spanish and dedicated much of her energy to helping the Hispanic community. She spent countless hours securing clothing, food, and other assistance for this community and others in need. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Martha Gottfried, and her brother, John Heines. She is survived by her sister, Lynda Heines of Newburgh, Indiana, and four stepchildren. Thanks to her caregivers Deacon Jim and Ching Barrett, Hospice, her friends, and the members of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to The Poor Fund at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 4609 Martin Street South, Cropwell, Alabama 35054. Condolences may be offered online at www.usreyfuneralhome.com. Usrey Funeral Home of Pell City is assisting the family.