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Emily McCullum Obituary
Born in Louisville on September 7, 1985 to wonderful parents, H. Kevan McCullum and Patricia Pfeiffer McCullum who loved, advocated and championed Emily her entire life.
There was no doubt that Emily was extra special. Little things were big things to her, teaching us that a simple hug or small act of kindness meant you mattered and had a seat at the table. On any given day, you could find Emily coloring, latch-hooking, singing along with Disney movies, jamming and dancing to her favorite 90's boy bands, and perfecting her chef skills in the kitchen. She was gentle enough to be the family baby whisperer and spunky enough to be the life of the party and first on the dance floor.
Emily exuded a joy that could only come from the overflow of her love for Jesus. She was a life-long member of Highview Baptist Church and enjoyed serving in the nursery. She took her job of keeping nursery attendance and loving on babies very seriously. She graduated high school in 2005 and completed several college courses through JCTC. She was known as the "Crusher" on her Special Olympics softball team, The Louisville Champions for 18 years. She loved cheering for others, especially her siblings and received the Whitefield Academy Boys Basketball #1 Fan Award for many consecutive years. Down Syndrome of Louisville played an integral role in supporting Emily and setting her up for success. Emily was proud to serve on the board at DSL and was honored to be the first person to break ground at their Lifelong Learning Center and be awarded the Citizen of the Year Award. With her love of music and people, it was very fitting that she worked at Ear-X-tacy and then the Kentucky Science Center for over a decade.
Emily loved so many things, but there was nothing she loved more than her family. She leaves behind to cherish many precious memories, Kevan (her dad and ultimate supporter) and Trish McCullum (her mom and best friend) both of Louisville, Kentucky, two siblings who were privileged to have front row seats to her life, Mary Beth (John Ford) Bennett of Owensboro, Kentucky and Kevan (Alex) of Louisville, Kentucky. She was the best Aunt Emmy to 6 nieces and nephews who thought she hung the moon: Audrey McCullum, Bess Bennett, Mac Bennett, Kip McCullum, Ford Bennett and Winnie McCullum. She was loved and will forever be missed by many aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends she considered family.
She is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Robert and Nancy Pfeiffer; paternal grandparents, Jane and Lyman Knierem and Harlan E. McCullum, who we know greeted her in heaven with open arms.
A celebration of life will be Monday, December 2, 2024 at Southeast Christian Church Southwest Campus (8301 St Andrews Church Rd, Louisville, Kentucky 40258) at 6:00 PM with visitation prior to service from 4:00-6:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family would love for you to honor Emily's life with a donation to the Down Syndrome of Louisville.
40 Entries
Bob. Ford
March 16, 2025
I´m very sorry You died Emily I missed you so much Emily you were most beautiful person ever your. Friend Bob. Ford
patty Wilson
January 4, 2025
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Debbie Carney
December 6, 2024
Kevan and Trish my sincerest condolences for the loss of sweet precious Emily! I remember when Jimmy and I and our kids were going to Highview sweetie little Emily would always run up and say Hi Debbie Carney and hug me so tight! I would always say I love you sweet Emily and she would smile so big and say I love you to Debbie Carney! My heart breaks for you and your family but she is on the streets of Gold and with our sweet Savior and our daughter Tracey! We are praying for you and pray the Lord will give you peace and comfort that only he can give.
Susan Teaford
December 2, 2024
Emily will be deeply missed and forever cherished by her friends at Down Syndrome of Louisville. I´ve known Emily through DSL for the last 10 years. I was lucky to work with her some at the Science Center, and in DSL´s Summer Education Enrichment Program. Emily is a shining light, a true kindness warrior, loving, and beautiful inside and out. She touched so many hearts with her gentle spirit. I always enjoyed time spent with Emily and wish we could have had more. I will always remember her compassion, strength, and the way she made the world brighter just by being herself.
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Rhonda McMillen
December 2, 2024
Kevan, Trish and family.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Emily always had a big smile and was always so happy to see everyone. I remember being at a family gathering and I was way across the room. Emily came running up to me with a big hug and her beautiful smile. My prayers are with each and everyone of you. Love always, Rhonda McMillen and family
Jackie Nalley
December 2, 2024
Dear Kevin and Trish . I am so sorry for your loss. I liked to sit with Emily at DSL. DSL friends and family will keep her close in our hearts. We would do math skills together . I will always love Emily and have wonderful softball memories. She is an awesome friend . Love Jackie Nalley
Marc
November 30, 2024
Kevin & Trish, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you. Although I did not know Emily I am sure she brightened your days and you hers. Be thankful for the time you had together.
Jeff Gardner
November 28, 2024
Emily was such a light in this world and Heaven got a little brighter when she passed through its gates. I can´t picture high school basketball in my mind without seeing Emily right there in the stands cheering us on. And no matter what the outcome of the game I could count on Emily´s smile and a hug after the game to brighten my day. I find myself grateful to have known Emily and look forward to seeing her again.
Suzanne Johnson
November 28, 2024
Emily was one of the members in my classroom at DSL. I loved everything about her, her smile, her laugh and her hugs. She was such a bright light and loving person. I am so very sorry for your loss. Sweet Emily, until we meet again, rest east.
Bettye Chady
November 27, 2024
Trish and family, so deeply saddened by your loss. I just can´t imagine! Thoughts and prayers are with you!
Betty
November 27, 2024
Emily always had a smile on her face to greet everyone see met . This make me sad for mom and dad and sister and brother. Everyone loved Emily at Highview! Prayers during the upcoming days.
Jamie jones
November 27, 2024
She was my Nieghbor and was very funny and great to talk to
Rhonda Schmidt
November 27, 2024
Emily was truly heaven sent. She was the embodiment of pure love, beauty and kindness. This world will not be the same without her beautiful smile and hugs. Heaven is singing.
Rhonda Schmidt
November 27, 2024
Josh Poole
November 27, 2024
Emily was one of the sweetest people I've ever met. Always happy, smiling, dancing, bubbly, and just such a pleasure to be around. So glad I was able to work with her at the Science Center for a few years. She'll be missed dearly by so many of us.
Trenton Brunner
November 27, 2024
what all i know she always has a smile that makes my day bright she will be missed the family remember the good times
Kathy Nicholas Wolgamott
November 26, 2024
Kevin and Trisha, I'm so sorry to hear of Emily's passing. I hear she was a wonderful, smart and happy person to be with. My heart goes out to you and the family. God Bless.
Lorean Oviedo
November 26, 2024
I wish I have known her in person. I know her beautiful mother, Patricia (Trish) from work. I look forward to meeting her in our Lord's Kingdom. I already loved her from knowing her mother and learning a little bit about what she had done on Earth. My condolences to her family and friends.
Corey Morgan
November 26, 2024
I have known Emily since yamca soccer along side my girlfriend too (Katie croom) but rest peacefully plz say hi to my mom upstairs
Jewels
November 26, 2024
My dear sweet Emily, thank you for all the hugs and talks at DSL. I will miss your beautiful smile and giggle. I won´t say "good-bye" my sweet girl I´ll just say "until we meet again."
Amanda Tipton
November 26, 2024
We knew Emily a very short time, but she was very loved when she attended the Studio. She was very proud to show the art she created. Emily was friendly and welcomed anyone that needed a friend. She will be missed dearly.
Connor Dawson
November 26, 2024
It´s Been 20 years in Middle School at Kamerer she´s my Bestest Students we were Same Class together with her & she´s our Best students & we got picked for our First Bowling Club & we had free ice Cream Together she is my Closest Friends & Share with love Humble & Kind & we are Kindness warriors
Connor Dawson
November 26, 2024
I know her in 20 years Since Middle School at Kamerer middle school Together I was in our Class together & She´s our Best Student & we have Free Ice Cream Together & we got picked together as Bowling club in Middle School Sending my Prayersi love her because she´s my Best Students in 20 years thank you to Share our love & Humble & Kind with Kindness warrior
Toph
November 26, 2024
Emily was built from live, which she shared without limit. Working with her for so many years she was a gift to the world and I will cherish the memories I have of her. Trish, many prayers for you and your family.
Alice Beck
November 26, 2024
Emily loved to show her art that she completed! I have so many that she was so proud to have finished. She genuinely loved those around her and improved my day, each day I saw her.
She loved to sing in the car with her performances of Disney 90s pop or Shania Twain!!
Macy Knights
November 26, 2024
We are so very sorry for your loss and will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers. Macy and Jennifer Knights
Phillip Kavanaugh Sr
November 26, 2024
We are so sorry for your loss
Phil & Stella Kavanaugh Sr
Michelle Murrell
November 26, 2024
She was a Very Sweet and Loving Person
David Timperman
November 26, 2024
Emily was the sweetest person I think I´ve ever known. Truly my favorite client. She´s the only client I´ve ever had that would dance in the mirror because she loved her hair so much and I´ll miss her always.
Janet Magan
November 26, 2024
Thinking of you, Kevan, Trish, Mary Beth, Kevan and families. I am so deeply sorry to hear of Emily's passing. Although I did not know her, I was so happy to see the many wonderful memories of Emily shared over the years by Mary Beth on Facebook. Continued prayers and sending hugs to all.
Diana
November 25, 2024
Emily is walking sunshine! She focused on her goals and applied her talents to achieve her dreams. I am sending ip prayers for comfort for her family.
Candice Glass
November 25, 2024
Emily was the absolute sweetest cousin ever and a blessing to our family. To know her was to love her. I cherish the memories of doing her hair over the years, especially for Joy Prom.
Harry Pfeiffer
November 25, 2024
I have many nieces and nephews and love them all, but they know that Emily was my favorite and would lovingly agree.
Our family was blessed with the kindest, most loving and caring young woman that God could have sent us. I will miss her dearly and will rejoice when I see her in Heaven.
Charlie McMillen
November 25, 2024
Always Smiling Happy Hugs to you all my deepest condolences
Candice Daniel
November 25, 2024
I´m so sorry and i feel bad and I will the McCullum family in prayers
Becky McMartin
November 25, 2024
She was the light of our family! I have so many precious memories. Seeing Mylie Cyrus ( we thought Hannah Montana)
All of our holiday celebrations were graced by her love and contagious joy! We were so blessed to have her in our family. Heaven is rejoicing.
Jay and Sheila Bandy
November 25, 2024
Emily was so much fun when we all worked together in Highview nursery. She loved those babies. We loved her.
Angela Russo from Macys
November 25, 2024
I am so sorry to hear about your lost
Amber Weiand
November 25, 2024
It was a joy to know you and call you friend. Until we meet again
Connie Gibson Hunt
November 25, 2024
Sending heartfelt condolences. I am so sorry for the loss of your precious daughter, Emily.
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