Culver & Joiner Named Wheeler Citizens of Distinction
Wheeler County Commissioner Rochelle Culver and Glenwood Mayor G.M. Joiner were named the 2025 Wheeler County Citizens of Distinction at the Wheeler County Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet on Friday, May 9.
Each year, the Wheeler County Chamber of Commerce presents awards to two people, a man and a woman, who have demonstrated exemplary service to the community. This year, the Citizens of Distinction awards honored two individuals who have not only served Wheeler County well but have served Wheeler County well for many years.
Culver was announced as Citizen of Distinction first, as the presenter shared a narra- continued from page
tive of the dedication and service which she has given to the county.
Culver is well known for her devotion to duty in a myriad of ways. She has served as an educator and an elected government leader, as a member of government and service organizations, and as a faithful member and volunteer at her church.
Though originally from Perthamboy, New Jersey, Culver is deeply rooted in the Wheeler County area through both extended family and her love for the community. She has lived in Wheeler County for many years and thrives upon being involved in her community.
When Rochelle was young, she and her three siblings moved with their parents James and Willie Beall Hodge, to Fort Valley, where her father was hired as a high school coach. There, Rochelle grew up and graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Fort Valley State College. She majored in physics and biology, with chemistry as a minor, and aspired to become a doctor, but her plans were interrupted when she met Isaac Culver. They married and had three sons—Isaac III, Brian, and Phillip.
While her husband, who had a degree in agriculture, ran the family farm, Rochelle taught school in Treutlen, Montgomery, and Wheeler Counties. She retired from teaching in 2002 but afterward was a substitute teacher for 15 years. Her husband was a Wheeler County Commissioner, serving 21 years, and upon his death, Rochelle ran unopposed to fill his unexpired term. She has been a county commissioner ever since — going on 11.5 years.
In addition to serving as a county commissioner, Rochelle has served as a member of the Regional Development Commission Board, the Workforce Investment Board, the Glenwood Housing Authority Board, and the Oconee Fall Line Technical College Board. She is a past president of the Telfair-Wheeler Retired Educators Association and is a past president of the Wheeler County Chamber of Commerce.
She is a member of the Phi Delta Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority for educators, and a member of the Ernest Chapter #17 of the Eastern Star. A long-time member of St. Paul AME Church in Glenwood, she serves her church as recording secretary, chair of the Missions Society, Chair of the Women’s Day event, is a Sunday School teacher — and if needed, she even steps in to play the piano.
“Rochelle’s legacy is her family including her three sons, their wives, and 10 grandchildren,” the presenter emphasized. “ She is blessed with talent and energy, and epitomizes the saying, ‘If you want something done, give the task to a busy person.’” Following Culver’s recognition, a presenter then announced Glenwood Mayor G.M. Joiner as the next Citizen of Distinction, as his leadership within the continued from page
area was highlighted. “When G.M. Joiner first ran for mayor in Glenwood in 1982, he was in his 30s and had no idea he would continue this job for the next 42 years – and in consecutive terms,” the presenter told attendees. “’I didn’t think that far ahead in those days,’ he said. But, G.M. came from a family who had public service in their veins. His father, Gerdna Joiner, was mayor of Glenwood for 20 years, and passed away while still in office.”
After graduating from Georgia Southern College with a degree in business administration, Joiner went right to work as vice president of his family’s furniture and appliance store in Glenwood. Following his father’s death, Joiner ran for the Glenwood City Council, serving two terms under Mayor L.W. Kent. At the end of Mr. Kent’s last term, he decided to throw his hat into the ring and pursue the post of mayor.
“He first took the oath of office in 1983,” the presenter explained. “A native of Wheeler County, G. M. said, ‘I knew I cared about the community and wanted to make every effort to stay in the community.’ G.M. certainly achieved that goal. In fact, he is one of the longest-serving mayors in the history of the state, and most likely, in the whole country. Very few people have accomplished what he has. In fact, he has run for office unopposed for 40 years, up until the last election.” During his tenure as mayor, Joiner has also consistently served as a board member of the Wheeler County Chamber Board of Directors. He is also a member of the board of the Heart of Georgia Altamaha Regional Commission, a member of the board of trustees of Brewton-Parker College, chairman of the board at Mount Vernon Bank, and past chairman and current member of the Wheeler County Development Authority. He is also a member of First Baptist Church of Glenwood, where he has served for many years as chairman of the Board of Deacons.
G.M. and his wife of 54 years, Sue Sikes Joiner, who passed away in January, had two children and three grandchildren.
“Very few people can say they have done what G.M. has done faithfully for almost half a century — serve a community with dignity and purpose and commitment,” the presenter concluded.
Both Culver and Joiner shared words of gratitude with presenters and attendees at the event, as they stated that receiving the award was a treasured honor.
ROOTING HERSELF IN THE AREA – Rochelle Culver has always been connected to Wheeler County through her extended family, but truly rooted herself in the area when she moved here, as she has served on several boards and leadership roles. (Shown) Several members of Rochelle Culver’s family attended the annual banquet to support and celebrate Culver’s award.Photo by Joy Youngblood
