Lula Parham

All who knew Lula Parham would agree that she was a vibrant woman who lived an ordinary life accompanied by her extraordinary heart. She was a no frills kind of woman who was content in whatever life brought her with her unwavering faith as her constant companion. A woman who was never afraid of hard work, Lula wholeheartedly devoted herself to whatever lay before her, providing us all with much to aspire for. As mothers go Lula was a cut above the rest and although she was proud of everything her children accomplished, her grandchildren were her greatest source of pride and joy. Life will never be the same without Lula here, but her memory will remain a lasting treasure for generations to come. America was alive and well during the decade of the Roaring Twenties as innovation fueled advancements in both the business and industrial sectors that were taking us places we had never been. We cheered as Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh took to the skies and with the end of the silent film era, the cultural fabric of our nation was forever changed. It was amidst this time of great change that a young family from Tutwiler, Mississippi, welcomed a healthy baby girl into their hearts and home on August 3, 1926. Lula Cordelia was one of three children born to her parents, Lawrence and Lucille (Williams) Watson, and was raised in Mississippi alongside her two brothers, Lawrence Jr. and Albert. She attended local schools through the 11th grade and then went on to cosmetology school and received her license. When she was 26, Lula left the South and moved to Chicago where she got a job at a local clothing manufacturer called Sweet Adelines. She worked her way up there, eventually becoming a manager. Lula also continued to do hair on the side. Lula was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and it was through this affiliation that she met the man who stole her heart. His name was Robert Parham, and he was a member of the Masons. Lula and Robert met at a joint fundraising event for the two organizations and hit it off right away. He was quite a bit older than Lula and worked as a mechanic. Deeply in love, the couple married on July 26, 1961. The newlyweds were blessed with the birth of their son, Robert Jr. the following year, and with the birth of their daughter, Cordelia a couple of years later, their family of four was complete. From the moment she became a mother Lulas children were of the utmost importance to her. The family made frequent trips to Baldwin, Michigan, to visit Lulas favorite aunt as well as other relatives nearby. With a desire to raise their two children away from the big city life of Chicago, she moved to Muskegon, Michigan, with her children while Robert remained in Chicago to continue working. They frequently traveled back and forth over the years that followed until Robert was able to retire seven years later. The family settled in the Jackson Hill neighborhood in Muskegon where they remained for many years. Lula continued to work outside of the home, initially as a part-time housekeeper for the YWCA while raising her children as well. When her daughter became involved in the Headstart program at VanderLaan School, Lula also became very active there. Her entrepreneurial spirit later found her working as a part-time housekeeper for Jim and Nancy Sheridan, and this work later became full-time. Lula also frequently helped Nancys parents, Dr. John and Lucille Nolen, at their home. She eventually secured a good job with great benefits at the Muskegon County Westshore Mental Health Facility. With a little bit more income coming in, Lula was finally able to purchase her dream car, a white Cadillac, which she proudly drove for many years. As is so often the case, life was full of changes for Lula. One of the most difficult transitions in her life came as a result of Roberts death in 1978. Although she was deeply saddened with his death, Lula continued living life to the fullest. When the mental health facility closed some time later, Lula went back to work for Dr. and Mrs. Nolen as their full-time housekeeper. When they died a bit later their home was purchased by Clock Funeral Home to be used as a family center for their funeral receptions. Lula was the hired on by the funeral home and continued to clean the house she knew so well along with being the hostess for the receptions. It has been said that she was the best housekeeper the funeral home ever had as she just cleaned things that no one else ever knew needed cleaning. Even after she retired from the funeral home she continued to do odd jobs for them from time to time just to keep busy. With her free time Lula was one to keep busy. She was an active member of the Jackson Hill Baptist Church throughout her time in Muskegon, and she brought her children there, too. Lula loved being in the kitchen, and everything she prepared was fantastic. She also enjoyed gardening and fishing for bluegills, specks, sunfish, and perch being among some of her favorite fish to catch. Not surprisingly, Lula made a great meal out of whatever she caught. During her sunset years Lula continued to delight in the days she was given. She treasured being a grandmother to three wonderful grandchildren who were the light of her life. Lula babysat them whenever she could and loved when they came to visit after her children moved to Chicago. Just as she was with her own children, Lula was so proud of her grandchildren, too. After she retired Lula became even more active at her church. When her heath necessitated, she moved to Chicago where she lived in an excellent assisted living center that allowed her to be closer to both of her children. With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Lula Parham made a significant impact in the lives of so many around her. She never shied away from speaking her mind, although she never did so in a way that offended others. Lula worked tirelessly throughout her life, yet she also took the time to enjoy so much of what life has to offer. A devoted mother, doting grandmother, and compassionate woman, Lula will be deeply missed. Lula C. Parham died Wednesday, November 30, 2011. Lulas family includes her son, Robert "Bobby" (LaNita) Parham of Hillside, IL; daughter, Cordelia (Thomas) Miller Muhammad of Oak Park, IL; grandchildren, Kirsten Parham, Na'imah Muhammad, Kayla Parham; niece, Verily Burell; nephews, Lonnie Watson, Lawrence Watson, Jr., Albert Watson; many great nieces, nephews and cousins. Lula was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, and brother, Lawrence. Services will be held on Sunday, December 4, 2011, 4:00 p.m. and visitation 1 hour prior to the service at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Rev. Eugene Miles officiating. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.