Deborah Ann Culp came into the Nashville community in 2014 a Detroit native and seasoned writer, photographer and public relations professional. She was affectionately dubbed “Lady Deb”, “Miss Deborah” and of course, her own handle and the title which most knew her by, “God’s Writer Girl” (GAG). To say she merely “worked” for several publications, would be a huge understatement. She did much more than just work. Deborah was an infectious ambassador for the brands she represented. Rain, sleet or storm, good health or not feeling her best, Lady Deb showed up and she always did so with her undeniable personality preceding her and it was large and in charge. As a friend, she was a giving listener and empath. But as a public relations professional, Deborah Ann Culp was a force to be reckoned with, showing up on every major event scene with her larger than life personality preceding her. She never entered a room unnoticed. Both visiting celebrities and local media, politician or laymen recognized her contagious and uninhibited laughter and her trademark fiery red hair entering the room. Despite her take charge, larger than life style, Deborah managed to gather, teach, embrace and draw-in everyone to whom she came in contact whether they were a popular visiting celebrity, or the newbie media person who needed a quick whisper in the ear about how to get in position to really get the interview.

Deborah Ann Culp
Lady Deb moved in to our great city and made it her own. She was a proud Nashvillian and proud to represent her home town, Detroit. She literally became our “First Lady of PR”. Those that knew her, knew her bubbly, assertive, goal-oriented personality was fueled by all that she had overcome in life, the people she loved, those she had lost and the publications and people she represented. Just below the surface was a woman who had overcome odds most may consider, insurmountable. Despite her success and established brand, Lady Deb never chose to forget where she came from and she always wanted others to know where she was coming from. Although she wrote everyone’s story, she somehow never had to write her own, because she lived it openly. Her transparency preached to every person she encountered and gave them permission to show their scars.
Next to her faith and the people she loved including her deceased husband William Culp Sr., deceased daughter and her pride and joy, son William Culp Jr, a US Marine, Deborah loved her work and the people she worked with. She wrote for the Pride Publication, Divine Magazine, Tennessee Minority Pages, Exhale for Women and formerly Tennessee Tribune and other publications. She also had a host of clients from local government, business owners, entertainers and brands that she represented from the well-established to the burgeoning artist. Hers was a labor of love and passion for people and her purpose. All of whom were her extended family; each of whom were made to feel they were her favorite.
In 2015 Lady Deb was nominated for the Women’s Power UP Award, an award granted to women who had overcome great obstacles and realized success. Upon her passing on October 26, 2018, Deborah was memorialized at the Ivy Center amongst family (including her beloved son William Culp Jr. and his family), friends, spiritual, business and political associates. Judge Brenda Gilmore presided and awarded her a Proclamation from the State of Tennessee. Judge Rachel Bell was also amongst her esteemed guests and awarded Deborah a Resolution on behalf of the Davidson County, General Sessions Court Division VIII. Many of those who admired, worked with her and loved her, assembled and honored the life of Deborah A. Culp, a life though never chronicled, it inspired all who encountered her to live in the moment and to live out loud.
Written by Nicole L. Wade