Gabriella “Gabby” Culliver was born on June 23, 1956, in Belzoni, Mississippi—The Heart of the Delta—to the late Rev. Otha Lee Grayer and Lucille Billingsley-Grayer. On April 24, 2026, God called her home, and while our hearts are heavy, we rejoice knowing she is at peace.

At an early age, Gabby accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at St. Matthew’s Church, where she stood strong in her faith alongside her father. Her relationship with God remained steady throughout her life, and even in her illness, she trusted in His promise and found comfort in His presence.

Gabby’s journey brought her family to Omaha, Nebraska, where she attended Horace Mann Middle School and proudly graduated as an Eagle from Omaha Central High School. She later attended Althouse School of Cosmetology, where she became one of the best to do it—old school style. Press and curls, laid edges, Care Free curls—“Let Your Soul Glow!” you name it, show her a picture, and she’d make it happen… whether you paid her or not. (And you know who you are!)

She worked at Boys Town, VA Nursing, and later retired from Kutak Rock after many dedicated years.

Before anything else, Gabby knew the deep and life-changing love of being a mother through her son, Aric. She was fiercely protective of him, loving him with a strength and watchfulness that only a mother’s heart can carry. That bond shaped who she was and remained at the center of her life.

Love found Gabby in a way only she could tell it. While attending one of those annual baseball tournaments, a local baseball player saw her and said he instantly knew she was the one. That man was Richard Culliver, Sr., and they were united in marriage on July 3, 1982—a love that would last 44 years.

Together, they built a family rooted in love, strength, and unwavering support. From this union, Maurice was born, and along with him came a household full of love that extended beyond titles—embracing children, bonus children, and family in every form. There is something sacred about the bond between a mother and her children, and Gabby lived that truth every day. In one of life’s most powerful moments, when she needed a donor, it was her son Maurice who stepped in—an act of love that speaks volumes about the family she nurtured.

Gabby was a nurturer, a caregiver, and the kind of woman who took care of everybody—family, friends, and even strangers. She would give you a ride home, feed you before you even asked, and make sure you were alright… all while telling you exactly what was on her mind.

And let’s be clear—Gabby had sass. She would cuss you out, put you in your place, and end it with, “I love you.” If you parked in her driveway and she couldn’t get in, you were going to hear about it. She spoke her mind with no filter, but everything she said came from a place of love.

You could smell her cooking before you even made it to the door. “Aunt Gabby, what you cooking?” was a regular question, because everybody knew—her kitchen was always open. Even during her illness, she made sure her family was fed and together. Easter dinner was at her house before heading back to the hospital—because that’s who she was.

Gabby loved to travel and spend time with family—whether it was back home in Belzoni enjoying the best farm-raised catfish on this side of heaven, or visiting Chicago, New Orleans, or Michigan. She enjoyed life, including her trips to the casino.

Becoming a grandmother was one of her greatest joys. She adored her grandchildren and made sure they knew it. She bragged about them, loved on them, and let them get away with things nobody else could. Jumping on furniture? For them—it was allowed. Popcorn balls, singing, dancing, laughter—her home was their happy place. And with that kind of love, it’s no wonder they never wanted to leave.

Preceded in Death:Parents, Rev. Otha Lee Grayer and Lucille Billingsley-Grayer; Siblings, Edward Grayer, Thomas (June) Grayer, Charles Grayer, Sr., Glenn Grayer, Joyce “Lois” Shackelford, and Mary Grayer

She Leaves to Cherish Her Memory:Her devoted husband of 44 years, Richard Culliver, Sr.;sons, Aric Grayer, Maurice Culliver, Terry Cogbill, and Richard Culliver, Jr.;stepdaughter, Rita Jackson (Brewton, AL); bonus daughters, Kira Simonsen and Daneasha Penn;grandchildren, Lewis Culliver, Elisha Jackson (Brewton, AL), Aliesha Cogbill, Nevaeh Cogbill, Alin Culliver, R.J. Culliver, Konnor Culliver, DeZire Culliver, Myela Culliver, and Ariella Culliver;siblings, Eddie Leon Grayer (Emma Elizabeth), Luigi “Louie” Grayer, and Shonda Johnson;extended sisters, Kim Johnson, Cynthia Anderson, Assata Damani, Lillian “Fuzzy” Washington, Gladys Sherrod-Lomack, Theresa Simms, and Bonnie Sherrod; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends

Gabby was also embraced and loved by the Orduña Family—#Orduña4Life—a bond that meant so much to her.

We extend a special thank you to the caring staff at the Susan Buffett Cancer Center for the love and support shown to Gabby and her family.