Nedgra Culp, 59, of Springfield, passed away on March 2, 2022. She was born June 17, 1962 in Springfield.

Nedgra started her vocal training while attending Central High School under the direction of Mrs. Connie Bilyeu. Nedgra then went to Europe to perform with more high school students in a group called the American Choir. They traveled all over Europe as Ambassadors for the United States. When Nedgra came back to Springfield, she graduated from Central High School and then attended Southwest Baptist for music performance. Nedgra continued to develop her musical talents, singing with many local groups in the Springfield area and surrounding cities of different genres of music. Nedgra was lead to try out for a Branson show by some of her friends and was hired as one of Wayne Newton's back up singers from that tryout. As one of Wayne Newton's back up singers, she lived and worked in Branson and Las Vegas from 1993 through 1994. After leaving Wayne Newton, she decided to make Branson her musical home. While in Branson, she shared her musical talent at numerous shows; including the 50's at the Hop, Breakfast with the Classics, Lost in the 50's, Stuck in the 70's, Hairspray as Motor Mouth Maybell (Florida) and Legends as Aretha Franklin. She also traveled with a tribute to Ray Charles called Can't Stop Loving You and also performed at the Rockbox Theater in Fredericksburg, TX. Nedgra returned to Branson, performing as Martha Marley in Maxine's Christmas Carol and then started her own shoe, Nedgra Culp and Girls on Fire. Her last show was Aretha, a Tribute to Queen of Soul.

Nedgra was blessed to be a part of a loving family. She was the youngest of six siblings. She was preceded in death by her mother, Stella Mae Culp and sister, Alfreda Culp.

She is survived by her father, George Culp; sisters Janice Bradford, Dana Cook and Tina Bennett; brother, Terry Culp and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service will be Friday, March 11, 2022 at 9:30 AM at Sanctuary of Praise Church of God in Christ, 2245 S Holland Ave, Springfield, MO 65807. Visitation will be from 9:00 - 9:30 AM at the church. Burial will follow in White Chapel Memorial Gardens.