Rev. Isaac Culbreth, Jr

Reverend Isaac Culbreth, Jr. was born in Emanuel County, Georgia, the eldest of eleven children born to the late Deacon Isaac Culbreth, Sr. and Deaconess Annie Mae Culbreth. Raised in a Christian home, he developed a strong foundation of faith that would shape the course of his life. He received his early education in Emanuel County, graduating from Emanuel County Elementary and High School. He later pursued higher education at East Georgia College, Swainsboro Technical College, and ultimately graduated from the American Baptist Theological Seminary.

At an early age, Reverend Culbreth accepted Christ and joined Durden Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where he served faithfully in many capacities. In 1977, he answered God's call to the ministry and was licensed and ordained under the leadership of Reverend David Reese. His first pastorate began that same year at Tremont Temple Missionary Baptist Church. Over the years, he also served as pastor to several churches that worshipped monthly, including St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Evans County, Zion Fair Baptist Church in Screven County, Ebenezer Baptist Church in Burke County, New Waters Grove Baptist Church in Screven County, Macedonia Baptist Church in Ludowici, and St. Matthews Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, Georgia.

Following the command of Christ, Reverend Culbreth accepted the call to pastor Greater St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in December of 2002, where he faithfully served for twenty-four years until his retirement. His ministry was marked by dedication, humility, and a tireless commitment to spreading the Gospel and shepherding God's people.

Reverend Culbreth was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 43 years, Christine Culbreth; his sister, Evelyn Rozier; and his parents, Deacon Isaac Culbreth, Sr. and Deaconess Annie Mae Culbreth. Later in life, he was blessed to find companionship again and was united in marriage to Willie Mae Wilbon.

He leaves to cherish his memory three loving children: Fredrick (Tracie) Culbreth of Fayetteville, NC; Christopher Culbreth of Jonesboro, GA; and Veronica (Gary) Woods of Statesboro, GA. He is also remembered with love by five grandchildren--Meighan Snow, Morghan (Devante) Best, Madison Culbreth, Christian Culbreth, and Adrienne Bartley--and one great-granddaughter, Jordan Bryant.

Through his marriage to Willie Mae, he was also blessed with children who loved and respected him dearly: Joseph (Enalda) Lemons of Fayetteville, NC; Darlene (Darien) McKinnon of Augusta, GA; Raymon (Cynthia) Lemons of Round Rock, TX; Tyron Lemons of Atlanta, GA; and Russell (Aliceia) Lemons of Conyers, GA.

His legacy continues through his siblings: five sisters, Huddie Culbreth of Twin City, GA; Elizabeth Sanders of Twin City, GA; Anna Culbreth of Twin City, GA; Fannie Culbreth of Atlanta, GA; and Theresa (Waddell) Bishop of Statesboro, GA; and four brothers, Bobby (Shirlene) Culbreth of Twin City, GA; Joel Culbreth of Atlanta, GA; Marcus (Rose Mary) Culbreth of El Paso, TX; and Arthur (Tracey) Culbreth of Statesboro, GA. He also leaves to cherish his memory a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was known as a very friendly man who truly loved people. His warmth and kindness were evident to all who met him. Under his leadership, Greater St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church became affectionately known as "a friendly church with a friendly pastor," a reflection of his welcoming spirit and genuine care for others.

Reverend Isaac Culbreth, Jr.'s life was a testament to faith, service, and love. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched, both within his family and in the many congregations he shepherded.

Visitation & Viewing will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025, from 5:00 - 8:00 PM at Original First African Baptist Church, 545 Westside Road, Statesboro, GA 30458.

Funeral services to honor the life and legacy of Rev. Isaac Culbreth, Jr., will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Original First African Baptist Church, 545 Westside Road, Statesboro, GA 30458. Rev. Wayne Rogers, eulogist; Rev. Christopher Culbreth, pastor/presiding.

Burial will follow at Bulloch Memorial Gardens.

Active pallbearers will be his nephews: Byron Culbreth, Dewayne Culbreth, Titus Culbreth, Timothy Bishop, Anthony Lovett, and Brandon Lovett.

Matthew H. Lovett & Son's Funeral Home, LLC is in charge of final arrangements.

Family and friends may sign the online register book, express online condolences, send flowers or other memorial gifts via our website.