Koula Dross Litchos, 91, of Statesville, N.C., passed away on January 14, 2023, at her home.
Mrs. Litchos was born December 31, 1930, in Charlotte, N.C., and was the daughter of the late Nicholas John Dross and Demetra Kostakes Dross. She was a graduate of Central High School in Charlotte and attended The Woman’s College in Greensboro (now UNC-Greensboro). In 1954, Koula married the love of her life, James Paul Litchos from Saco, Maine. They shared more than 56 years before his death in 2009.
Koula served for 32 years at the N.C. Employment Security Commission as interviewer, instructor and assistant manager until her retirement in 1990. The Commission recognized her achievements on many occasions. Koula was an active member of the Statesville Altrusa Club and the Statesville Business and Professional Women’s Club, organizations where she held various offices and chaired many committees. She was also a member of St. Luke Greek Orthodox Church in Mooresville.
In addition to her husband and parents, Koula was preceded in death by her brother, John Dross; and her brother-in-law, Nicholas Matalas.
Survivors include her sister, Stella Dross Matalas; nieces, Mary and Denise Matalas, all of Alexandria, Va,; sister-in-law, Frances Dross of Davidson, N.C.; nephews, Nick Dross of Carolina Beach, N.C., and Mike Dross of Charleston, S.C.; and nieces, Norma Manning and Julie Boutet of Boston, Mass., and North Palm Beach, Fla.
Rev. Robert Lawrence and Rev. Gregory Waynick will conduct a graveside service for Mrs. Litchos at Evergreen Cemetery in Charlotte on Wednesday, January 18, at 11 a.m.
Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.
I remember Mr. & Mrs Litchos. Always kind and caring. Prayers for your family. Pat Moore
I don’t know where to begin or how to put into words what knowing Koula meant and will always mean to me. I first knew her when I began working with her in the Statesville ESC office. She was a truly beautiful person, physically and in possession of a beautiful soul. I often teased her that she was my second mama. I loved her so much and will forever value her and her meaning to everyone who knew her.
My condolences to the family. I was a caregiver to Mrs. K for a short time while she was at the Gardens. She was a spicy little woman, and you could tell she was something in her day. She is resting well now with no more pain, and I truly believe she is in a better place.
Prayers for the entire family.
My oldest brother worked with Ms. Litchos for many years and always spoke so highly of her.
I only knew miss Koula for a COUPLE OF MONTHS. THE TIME WE DID SPEND TOGETHER WAS VERY GOOD. I ENJOYED EVERY MOMENT OF IT. MISS KOULA, YOU WILL TRULY BE MISSED. LOVE, JAPONICA RIVERS