Katie Lula Edwards McCollum

Katie Lula Edwards McCollum, age 99, passed away on Wednesday, February 9, 2022.  Mrs. McCollum was born in White County, Georgia on July 15, 1922, to Tommy and Jessie Mae Palmer Edwards. 

She worked hard her whole life but didn’t know any other way.  She was raised in the Blue Creek community of White County as the oldest daughter of eight children.  She helped tend to her younger siblings, often telling stories of how they grew up—poor but happy.  Katie had a deep sense of honor and respect for her parents. She often quoted wisdom and advice they gave her and tried to always live her life in that way. Her long life can be attributed to what the Bible says in Ephesians 6:1-3: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and mother; (which is the first commandant with promise;) that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.”

She was a gracious, kind, and caring person who never had a bad thing to say about anyone. She always said, “if you can’t say anything nice about someone, it’s best not to say anything at all.” As can be attested by all who knew her, she lived by that precept her entire life. She was a wonderful cook, preparing all kinds of delicious foods for every meal, and was always open to trying new recipes. Her family and friends were always excited to be invited to her home for a meal.

Katie was loved by everyone who knew her, and she had many dear friends. She always enjoyed visits and phone calls from family and friends, and especially those she received from Ruth Lancaster, her last living high school classmate. She also spoke often of Ruth Cash, her best friend as she was growing up.

Katie McCollum retired as a secretary for the White County Board of Education in 1984.  She enjoyed her retirement years, living at her Blue Creek home. She was a member and attended Blue Creek Baptist Church her entire life.  After her graduation from Cleveland High School, she married Marvin McCollum, another Blue Creek native, on July 20, 1940.

Her life was filled with significance, love and meaning, and her passing leaves a huge hole in the hearts of those that knew her.  Her kindness, compassion and happy attitude will always be remembered.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Marvin McCollum; her infant son, Larry; grandson, Greg McCollum; her brother, W. L. Edwards; sisters and brothers-in-law, Lucille and A. C. Bowen; Jessie Mae and Donald Thurmond; Pauline and Roger Hallock; and Charlotte and Jim Bush.

She is survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Janice and Phillip Roberts (Demorest, GA); Susan and Garrison Baker (Cleveland, GA); son and daughter-in-law, Garnett and Susan McCollum (Valley, AL); and son, Marvin McCollum, Jr. (Cleveland, GA): grandchildren, Cheryl McDuffie, Phil Roberts, Marc (Jennifer) McCollum, Ben McCollum, Joy (Chris) Trawick, Carl (Tonya) Wheelus, Joe (Karen) Baker, Cody (Heather) Baker, and granddaughter-in-law, Beverly McCollum: great-grandchildren, Joshua, Brad and Cason Trawick, Blake and Zack McCollum, Dara Bock, Carlee and Bryanna Wheelus; and Luke, Jack, Haley, Hudson, Layli Kate, Lucy, and Emersyn Baker; brother, Frank (LaMerle) Edwards (Cleveland, GA); sister, Velma (Jim) Hedburg (Phoenix, AZ); sister-in-law, Grace Edwards (Demorest, GA) and many loved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11 A.M. Friday, February 11, 2022 at Blue Creek Baptist Church.  Rev. Milton Harris, Rev. Dave Fortner and Rev. Will Fuller will officiate.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 P.M. Thursday, February 10, 2022 at the funeral home.

To share a memory or leave a condolence with the family, visit barrettfh.com.

Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland.