Madelene Culbreath

Madelene Culbreath was born on April 25, 1980, in Greenwood County, South Carolina. She was the daughter of the late Jimmy Lee Culbreath and Mae Lee Cannon-Culbreath. Mel, as she was affectionately known by family and friends, was a 1998 graduate from Saluda High School. She continued her education at Piedmont Technical College where she received an associate degree in Business Administration, along with several other certifications. At the time of her passing, she was pursuing an accounting degree. She was employed as an administrative assistant at the Burton Center in Saluda, South Carolina.

Mel would always greet you with a big smile and always lend a listening ear. She was blessed with a gentle spirit and a big heart. She loved life, her family and friends, and she really LOVED Facebook.

On the morning of February 10, 2026, Mel lost her yearlong battle with cancer at Self Regional Medical Center. She peacefully transitioned to her heavenly home at the age of 45. Waiting to embrace her once again are her father and mother; her brother, Jimmy “Demond” Culbreath; and beloved grandparents, aunts and uncles. 

Left to cherish precious memories of Mel are her son, DaVaunt Culbreath of Saluda, South Carolina; her brother, James Cannon also of Saluda; her sisters, Katie Ann Abney of Trenton, South Carolina, Viridana (Rickie) Ranch of Georgia, and Safia Culbreath of Greenville, South Carolina; a special friend, Earl “Tony” Gantt; and a devoted cousin, Bernett Christie, whom she affectionately called sister and with whom she stayed during her yearlong battle against cancer. She is also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins (that she called her niece and nephew), along with other loving family, and dear friends.

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