Trilby Elisabeth Parker Culpepper

Kill Devil Hills- Trilby Elisabeth Parker Culpepper,  better known as “Jake” to family and friends passed away peacefully at home Friday February  4, 2011.  Jake was born and raised in Chesapeake, a graduate of South Norfolk High School and attended the College of William and Mary.

Preceding her in death are her parents James H. Parker and Sadie McGlaughan Parker; her husband of 32 years William E. Culpepper who was also her dearest friend, her sons, William Craig Culpepper and Michael H. Culpepper and her brother, James H. “Buddy” Parker.

She will be dearly missed by her precious daughter Terri Southerland of the Kill Devil Hills residence, and her grandchildren whom she adored Andrea E. Southerland of Nags Head and J. Austin Southerland of Edenton; her sister Roma Jean Cathcart of Ocala, Florida; her niece Karen Hamer of Ocala; and nephew Carl F. Cathcart of New Jersey; their children and spouses; and her newest addition and most precious great-grandson Gabriel Quinn Southerland.

Jake will be sorely missed by her family and friends. Jake was a loving, caring person.  She was an avid reader and loved bridge and her bridge friends of over 20 years.  Jake and her husband were the first to begin the “Compassionate Friends” for families who have lost children to death. She was the president for three years, stepping down when Jake and Bill moved to Florida.

Jake was an accountant for 34 years and sincerely loved her work.  She was also a born designer and helped her friends in this endeavor.  Jake enjoyed life and put her all into living it.  Two friends and a family member were especially  treasured for their love and joy and they are the late Dorothy Gupton, of Georgia, Merilene Pacuilli, of Chesapeake- an angel on earth, and from Virginia Beach, Linda Barclay-you’re STILL a class act.

The family will hold a celebration of Life Service at a date in the near future. In accordance with Jake’s final wishes, her cremated remains will be placed in the Atlantic Ocean of her beloved Outer Banks. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial tributes be forwarded to the Children’s Hospital of the Kings Daughters and/ or to the Joy Fund of Virginia. Condolences to the family may be expressed via the on-line register at www.gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.