Jessie Ethel Pittillo Koontz
December 30, 1932 ~ March 26, 2020
Asheville Butterfly TrailJessie Ethel Pittillo Koontz, 87, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 26, 2020, surrounded by family.
Mrs. Koontz was born on December 30, 1932, to the late Olive Zoe Edmundson and Otho Bryan Pittillo. After graduating from Biltmore High School in 1950, she attended Mercy Hospital of Nursing in Charlotte and received her RN certification, preparing her for a career as a hospital and public health nurse. She was a dedicated member of Biltmore Baptist Church, where she served in the nursery for more than 30 years, as well as a devoted volunteer of Asheville-Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM).
She is preceded in death by her parents and three siblings: Mildred E. Reeves, Wilma L. Arrowood, and Gordon E. Pittillo. Mrs. Koontz is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Mr. Charles Thomas (Tommy) Koontz, Sr. and four children: Charles (Chip) Thomas Koontz, Jr. and his wife, Kathy, of Mills River; Cheryl Leslie Koontz Durrant and her husband, Chuck, of Hendersonville; Bryan Lee Koontz and his wife, Carol, of Weaverville; Carol Beth Koontz Fouts and her husband, Bryan, of Hendersonville. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild: Jessica Ruth Durrant and her husband, Erich Kushner; Forrest and Laurel Koontz; Meredith and David Koontz, and his wife, Jennah; Taylor and Elizabeth McBride; and Willow Olive Kushner.
A private graveside ceremony will be held at the Lanning-Pittillo Cemetery in Hendersonville, officiated by Pastor Sam McLamb of Biltmore Church.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Hospice and Advent Health workers, as well as everyone who has supported Jessie and the family up to the very end; she greatly appreciated your love, care, and prayers.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Biltmore Church in memory of Jessie Koontz.
Please join us in celebrating the life of our beloved wife, mother, grandmommy, and friend; we trust and know that we will see her again. Hallelujah!
Services
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
Prayers for the Koontz Family
So very sorry for the passing of Mrs. Koontz. Our prayers continue for the whole family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jessie was kind and loving with everyone. She always had an encouraging word.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. Gene Dellinger, Frances, Todd, Taylor, Matthew
Grace and peace to you Tommy and family, yes you will see her again and won’t it be glorious! You both have been so special to my family, love & blessings.
So sorry to hear about your Mom. Our prayers are with you and your family. Love you. Doris & LaBaron
I am so sorry. Jessie was a very special person to me. She always knew what to say to me when I was down. I am going to really miss her. Virginia
We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. What a privilege it has been for us to spend time with Mrs. Koontz at Biltmore Church! Her kind and beautiful countenance reflected the spirit of Christ in her words and deeds. Our hearts, love, and prayers are with you all.
Much love to each of you in the loss of Mrs. Koontz. Our prayers are with you. Ray and a Ramona Bryson
Tommy and Family– we are thinking of you in this most difficult time in the homegoing of Jessie –what a great inspiration your family has been to me and my family!! God Bless and Keep you in these days and rejoice in the fact that Jesse is with the Lord!! Ron and Louise Brown
Tommy and family. So sorry for your loss. She was a great Christian lady. you are in my prayers.
My prayers are with you at this very sad time.
Tommy and family, so sorry for your loss but there is comfort in knowing you will be reunited one day. God bless you all.
Vernon & Cheryl Dover
Tommy, we are so sorry to learn of Jessie’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this most difficult time.
To Tommy and the extended family my deepest sympathies
Mr. Koontz, I am so sorry to hear this very sad news. My prayers are with you and your family.
What a beautiful role model she was. She leaves quiet the legacy. A true inspiration.
Tommy and children, we are so very sorry. What wonderful memories we have of Jesse. Such a beautiful Christian lady. You will be in our prayers. Agape
So sorry for your loss. Praying for your family in this time of sorrow. She will be greatly missed.
Such a gracious lady who lived a remarkable life. She and Tommy made such a wonderful couple – such love and support for one another… And the legacy of her kids and grandkids are just another outpouring of her graciousness continuing to pour out and pay it forward… Rest in peace wonderful lady – and asking God to send His angels to hold all who mourn their loss yet celebrate Jesse’s life in the safety and comfort of their wings…
You all are in my thoughts and prayers!
Tommy and family, Our prayers are with you. Jessie was a wonderful lady and we feel blessed to have known her. May God be with you.
Thinking of the Koontz families with love and in prayer! May God give you grace and peace during this time!
Love in Christ,
Gary and Wilma Conner
Dear Tommy and all the Koontz family, you guys have been one of the best blessings to our family and to all of Western North Carolina. Jesse was a precious, loving lady who cared for everyone. Praise God for her life. We will be praying for you all during the coming days for his Grace and Peace. Jesse loved you all and will see you all in GLORY Love you all Mary Dot and Bill
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Tommy and Family
I Am sorry for your loss but I rejoice with you that she is in a better place. And you will see her again someday.
My deepest condolences to Mr. Koontz and family for the loss of your sweet wife, mother and grandmother. May you find comfort in the days ahead.
Mr. Koontz, so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Ouida Ray
Tommy and all the family, We are so sorry for your loss. Jessie was a precious lady. We know she will be greatly missed. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. May God’s comfort and peace surround you today and in the days a head.
Love, Mike and RossAnn Mckee
Our prayers are with all of you.
With love,
Ed snd Sheila Wright
Love and blessings to all of the family. Jesse was a beautiful lady inside and out. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I am praying God will give you comfort and a peace only He can give now and to come. I know you have the comfort knowing you will see her again…..with Love, Sandy
Mr. Koontz,
There are just no words to convey how sorry I am for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family during this sad and difficult time. Peace and love.
Our love and prayers for the entire family.
So sorry to hear of Jesse’s passing! She was a sweet person. May God comfort you all at this hard time.
Pat Edmundson Stepp
Tommy and family Glenn and I are sening our love, prayers and blessings to each of you. Just so very very sorry.
Mr. Koontz and family, please accept my deepest condolences in the passage of your precious Jesse. She was a wonderful lady. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
We wish to express our deepest sympathy to the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. With warmest regards.
Tommy, I am so sorry for your loss. We are all thinking of you and your family during this very difficult time.
Cliff Dodson
Tommy and Family, I am so sorry to read of Jessie’s passing. She and I worked together as nurses for many years. She was a wonderful, kind and caring nurse, and a true witness for Jesus Christ.
Carl and Kathy Conley
Tommy and Family, we grieve with you at this sad time. Jessie was such a servant and will be missed by
everyone who knew her. You will be in our prayers. We love you.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss.
My deepest sympathy and love to Carol Berh ,her Family ,and friends.
Mr. Koontz and family, our sincere sympathy for your loss. Keeping each of you in our thoughts and prayers.
A very sweet lady. Praying for the family.
Mr. Koontz, I am so sorry to the news. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Dear Tommy & Family,
We send our deepest sympathy to all, with prayers for God’s peace and comfort.
Ron & Kathie Whittemore
Tommy & family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We know she is rejoicing in her heavenly home.
You are in our thoughts & prayers,
Ray & Linda Merrill
Deepest condolences, love and prayers to the entire Koontz family
tommy koontz sending love & prayers
Praying for your family right now and for the days to come! We loved Miss Jessie and know she’s with our Savior now. What a sweet shining light to all she touched! Love and Hugs to you! James and Rexella Hall
Tommy and family, you are so much in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you all great strength in the days ahead. Jessie was such a lovely, godly woman. It is an honor to
have known her. Much love to all of you.
Tommy
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Jessie. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May God be present in your lives to give you peace and comfort.
Lillian Riddle
Tommy, I was so sorry to hear of Jessie’s death. She was one of the sweetest people I have ever known – and I knew her for a very long time. As a nurse at the WCC infirmary she certainly brought a sense of security to my being away from home. You and yours will be in my prayers for the days and weeks to come. Love to all.
Condolences and heart felt prayers forTommy and the extended Koontz and Pittillo families.Was privileged to attend church with her parents and other relatives years ago and then recently at Biltmore Church with Jessie herself. Can assure you that there is a glad reunion day going on right now with departed members of both families. May the peace and comfort of God be yours through his Word and His people.
I am just learning of Jesse’s passing, and am so sad to see it. I worked with Jesse as a public health nurse for several years. She was a wonderful role model for a young nurse, and taught me much about caring for others, as well as how to be a good nurse. She will be a beautiful memory in my heart. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Tommy and family,
My love and prayers are with you all. I have very fond memories of aunt Jessie. She always had a smile on her face and kind words to share. She was such a help to us when Nannie Pug was sick. I know you will hold onto each other in this time of sorrow and know that Heaven received another angel.
Much love to all,
Stacy
A beautiful Christian lady who will always be remembered.
Prayers and sympathy to this special Christian family.
Mary Ann Wells
Tommy and family – I am so sorry that Jessie is gone. I had no idea until tonight, and am sure none of the rest of my siblings did either (or surely they would have told me). I guess even if we had known we wouldn’t have been able to attend her service, since that was just after everything shut down. I apologize for completely missing this, especially because I will never forget how wonderfully comforting it was that you and Jessie came to the funerals of both Papa and Mama. I wish we could have reciprocated with Jessie for you. Please know that I am thinking of all of you.