Edith Rose Koontz Cullop

March 22, 1925 - April 27, 2019

Edith Rose Koontz Cullop entered this world, March 22, 1925, in Bristol, TN. She was the second of five children. Her deceased parents were; J. H. (Doc) and Sarah Kate Leonard Koontz; and deceased siblings, Robert, Dan, J. H. Jr and Donetta Frith. During her Junior and Senior years at Tennessee High School, under the Diversified Occupation Program, she attended school in the morning and worked at Hecht’s Bakery from 1-5 PM in the retail bakery and advanced to Secretary and later the President of that company. Graduating from Tennessee High School in 1943, she chose to pursue Civil Service, but due to the war effort her position was “frozen and she chose to go to New York City to be an assistant buyer for Pocahontas Fuel Colliery Stores to work with her “Aunt” Donnie Whitson, resident buyer. Her brother, Robert, was in the Navy and missing in action, so her mother was anxious for her return to Bristol. Henry Kegley called Edith in New York and asked her to meet with him in his new business venture. Frozen food was in its infancy and she accepted the challenge, in 1946, doing whatever needed to be done, Janitor, Food Processor, Sales, Bookkeeper, Office Manager and Weekend Demos until her retirement in 1995 as Vice-President, Secretary of the Corporation of Tenneva Frozen Foods. January 16, 1948, she married Charles Rex Cullop of Galax, VA. Survivors include her Daughter; Karen Sue Cullop Barnes Shearer, husband, Gus, Grandchildren; Sean and wife, Tracey and Sarah and husband, Eric; Great-Grandchildren; Buster, Luna Rose and Lily, Nephews and Nieces; Buddy, Joe (wife-Louise), Dana and Bart. Her Book, “I GOTTA BE ME”, was compiled and published at 88 years of age with Rex Ward’s assistance and endeavor. Thankfully able to complete it with the aid of Central Presbyterian Church, a CD,” CHRISTMAS AT GRAND COURT”, was made the following year and it raised enough to enable “A SMILE FOR K BOY” to become a reality. Then at 90, a fairy tale come true was in the opportunity to play the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ as it rose “from the pit”, truly befitting, playing “I’M SITTIN ON TOP OF THE WORLD”! She was amazed that Rex Ward had that much trust and belief in her. Hand surgery, shortly after that appearance, was unsuccessful and she was unable to do what she loved most but appeared at the age of 91 and used her voice, not her hands, in a Tribute to the Troops and was a part again with the superb Rex Ward and Charlie Herron. She felt so very blessed with E & R Follies. Quote: “God has been so good to me-A loving family and a “heart” adopted son, Rex Ward who has made my later years so meaningful and our own ministry to Seniors.” A Celebration of Her Life will be held Sunday, April 28, at 3:00 PM at Brookdale Senior Living. Interment will be in Glenwood Cemetery. Akard Funeral Home, 1912 W. State Street, Bristol, TN (423)989-4800 is serving the family of Mrs. Cullop.