Obituary of Ann Cullop

MARION, VIRGINIA: ANN STAMPER CULLOP, age 66, passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2014 at Bristol Regional Medical Center. She was our rock. She didn't expect perfection, but she did expect 100% effort and honesty. She always rooted for the underdog. She was proud of her family and remained true to her up-bringing and heritage. She was a collector of many things-- antiques, friends and stories as made evident by her being an avid listener and a natural storyteller. Among her greatest achievements was her recently self-published book, "The Secret." She was a person of great faith. She believed it was easy for the privileged and healthy to maintain a faith in God, but true faith in God came from the underprivileged and ill in health. She believed God would not put a burden upon a person they could not handle. It was the burdens we put upon ourselves that created our conflicts. Her influence on her friends and family during her time here cast a wide net and will have a lasting ripple effect. She was born on Oct. 29, 1947 in the Dry Fork Community of Smyth County to the late Hobert & Bertie Combs Stamper. She was employed for 33 ½ years at Southwestern Virginia Mental Health Institute retiring in 2003 and along with her husband, was owner and operator of Lorenzen's Motel in Marion since 1999. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Leonard and Bobby Stamper, four sisters, Bethany Stamper, Louise Hawkins, Gladys Duncan and Magdalene Cline, and four brothers-in-law, Leon King, James Duncan, Jack Hawkins and Gene Cline. She is survived by her husband of 32 years, Delter Cullop, one son: Jason Gullion of Chilhowie, two daughters Wendy Gullion of Chilhowie and Shai Cullop of Durham, NC, 5 grandchildren: Judith Gullion of Chilhowie, Sierra Blevins and husband, Kodey of Jasper, TN, Scott Gullion of Chilhowie, Alyssa Gullion of Mechanicsville, Franklin Gullion of Chilhowie and one great-grandchild, Landon Carter Blevins. She is also survived by four brothers: Clifford Stamper and wife Thelma of Chilhowie, Mack Stamper of Chilhowie, William Stamper and wife Barbara of Topsail Beach, NC and Hobert Wade Stamper, Jr. and wife Judy of Lenoir, NC, one sister, Lakie King of Marion, IL, one Brother-in-Law, Beckley Cullop of Hillsville and three Sisters-in-Law: Blanche Stamper and Opal Stamper of Chilhowie and Zana West and husband, Stacy of Marion. Many special friends including Beth Russell, Gerry and Clara Billings, Mrs. Ruth Pugh and Charlene Cooper; Many Nieces and Nephews including special nieces, Judy Stamper and Patricia Kerr and 3 canine companions, Little Lillie, Toby and Banjo also survive. Funeral Services will be held Sunday, January 5, 2014 at 8:00 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel in Marion with Reverend Mike Sage and Mr. Martin Mash officiating. Graveside Services will be held Monday, January 6, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery in Chilhowie. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 6:00 p.m. until the time of service at 8:00 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel. Jason Gullion, Scott Gullion, Tyler Nicley, Kodey Blevins, Bobby Joe Blevins, Carlos Clark, Franklin Gullion and Mark Wallin will serve as honorary palbearers. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.seaverbrown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the Cullop Family.