of Parthenon, AR
September 1, 1922 - February 25, 2021
Lula Monongye Wilson passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Thursday, February 25, 2021, at the age of 98. She was born September 1, 1922, to David and Nora Monongye of Hotevilla, Hopi Reservation, Arizona. She was the third of eight children and was the last surviving sibling. Lula was predeceased by her parents; her siblings; her husband of 54 years, Delmar C. Wilson; and her daughter, Phyllis Spradlin.
During WWII, Lula left the reservation in search of work. She initially worked in Phoenix then headed to San Francisco with a friend. There she heard about even better opportunities in Seattle, where she relocated to work at the Boeing airplane plant. She was one of many women in her generation who joined the war effort and became "Rosie the Riveter"! On her daily bus commute to the plant, a tall, handsome young man from Arkansas began to take notice of her - saving her a seat each day on the crowded bus. Delmar C. Wilson and Lula were married on March 26, 1945.
After the war, they lived in Parthenon, Arkansas, and their daughter, Phyllis, was born. A short time later, they settled in Grand Prairie, Texas, and their son, David, was born. Lula was a homemaker and when her children were older, she became a licensed cosmetologist, a profession that enabled her to use her gift of service and her gift of gab. While in Texas, the family was active in the Twin Airport Baptist Church, which later merged with Central Baptist Church. Lula and Delmar retired in 1979 and moved to the Wilson homestead near Parthenon, Arkansas. For over 40 years, Lula was a fixture at Parthenon Baptist Church as well as Jasper school athletic events where everyone affectionately called her "Granny". For a few years, Lula and Delmar ran the community mail route. She participated in activities hosted by the Newton County Senior Center until March 2020. She enjoyed gardening, reading Guideposts, and solving Find-A-Word puzzles.
Throughout her adult life, Lula enjoyed teaching Sunday school to preschoolers and served as a worker and teacher in Vacation Bible schools. Lula had the gifts of hospitality and encouragement and she delighted in serving others. Her prayer until the end was that everyone would know Jesus as she knew Him. Lula's family was a constant source of joy to her.
Lula is survived by her son, David L. Wilson and wife Nancy; her granddaughter, Chari Spradlin Hill and husband Chris; her granddaughter, Tina Spradlin James, and husband Denton; her great-grandchildren, Jene' James, Tyler Kidder, and wife Holly, David James, and wife Keely, and Shelby Kidder Foreman and husband Craig. Her two great-great-grandsons, Truman and Tripp Kidder, made her smile the most! She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and other family in Arizona, Texas, Arkansas, and Missouri.
The family is appreciative of the many caregivers during her last few months, especially Christie Poole, Judy Williams, Alivia Barker, Regeina Young, Home Helpers - Rogers, and Hospice of the Hills.
A Celebration of Life was at Parthenon Baptist Church at 10:00 AM, Saturday, February 27, 2021.
Pallbearers were Denton James, Chris Hill, Jene' James, Tyler Kidder, David James, and Craig Foreman.
Honorary pallbearers were Troy Watson, Maria Davis, and the Parthenon Baptist Church family.
Lula was interred at Union Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Parthenon Baptist Church, P.O. Box 98, Parthenon, AR 72666.
Roller-Christeson Funeral Home is complying with the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines for COVID-19 and limiting indoor funeral and visitation attendance. All attendees must provide and wear their own masks before entering.
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30 Condolence(s)
Theresa MONONGYE
Sunday, February 28, 2021
MY dearest Auntie Lula kyaah, you will forever be in our hearts, you have done so much for all of us. Mostly the visits when you would come out to Hopi and just spend wonderful weekend or sometimes you would stay a week. We love you so much, I'm already missing All of you. Auntie when you see My dad Nelson Monongye, tell him I love and miss him so so so much. Love you all My family and stay strong. Much love to each and everyone with the prayers. Asqwali thank you
Linda Lewis
Saturday, February 27, 2021
Sending love and prayers to all of you. Only knew her from Jasper ballgames but she was always fun to visit with.
Larry and Debralee Alexander
Saturday, February 27, 2021
Lulu will be so missed by us!! We loved her like family!! Our prayers of healing are sent to family!! Know you are all in our thoughts!
Jan Larsone
Saturday, February 27, 2021
What a wonderful, kind and sweet lady. I was so fortunate to know her. My condolences to her family.
Jerry Lynn Brasel-Hacens
Saturday, February 27, 2021
I first became acquainted with Lu and Delmar when we worked together at the P.O. She was a bright ray of sunshine. They were devoted to each other and so synchonized as they worked together..When he drew a tee she crossed it...when he drew an I she dotted it for him. The last time I saw Lu was at the Sr.Center where she was happily celebrating her last birthday. I cherish our times together. May God comfort the family that she loved so dearly.
Monica Cooper Jarrett
Saturday, February 27, 2021
I know you are having a wonderful reunion in heaven. Fly high sweet lady. You will be greatly missed. Love and prayers to Tina and the rest of the family
Tim and Susan McSweeney
Saturday, February 27, 2021
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am the thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint in the snow.
I am the sunlight on the ripened grain.
I am the autumn’s gentle rain.
When you awaken in the morning hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush.
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there,
I did not die.
~ A Hopi Prayer
Betty L. Sharp
Saturday, February 27, 2021
Dear Family. I am with you in thoughts and prayers today. There will be an emtpty spot in our hearts for a very long time as we miss her. God Bless you all.
Cheri Walton-Humphrey
Saturday, February 27, 2021
Sending prayers of peace and love to the entire family.
Love,
Cheri
Sherri Poe Ingram
Saturday, February 27, 2021
So sorry for your loss. She lived a good life and touched so many people especially mine. I'll never forget all the fun times we all had with her.. peace and comfort i pray for you guys.. â¤ï¸
She Morris
Saturday, February 27, 2021
I identify their family as then will miss Granny Lu. Pray my life counts fur Christ half as much as here love to you all
Bruce Koyiyumptewa
Friday, February 26, 2021
My deepest sympathy...
Dean Monongye
Friday, February 26, 2021
She will be missed we love her so much on behalf of the Monongye family our kyaah or Auntie Lula she is such a blessing all is well
darwin and billie thomas
Friday, February 26, 2021
Delmar and Lou were the best friends and neighbors anyone could ask for. I treasure the memories we made with them.
Julie Campbell
Friday, February 26, 2021
So sad to here about Lula!! My thoughts, prayers, and love are with you all. My very first memory of Parthenon Church is of your sweet Granny and being in her Sunday School class, and many more good memories since.
Earlene and Rick Warren
Friday, February 26, 2021
She was a wonderful person and was a joy to be around. We will miss her precious laugh and story telling.
Bonnie Brasel
Friday, February 26, 2021
We went to see Granny in the funeral home. She looked so pretty. Loved that little woman. Love and prayers. Bonnie and Richard Brasel
Katie Deakins
Friday, February 26, 2021
Tina & Chari,
I’m so sorry! She loved you both so much. When I read her obituary, I realized I never knew her name. She was Granny. I recall how you both let me know not to wear my hair in a ponytail if we were going to see her because she said ponytails are for girls too lazy to do their hair!! She was a real gem, and my heart breaks for you both. Love to you, Katie
David s seaman
Friday, February 26, 2021
God's prayers
Singing with angels
Beatrice Norton
Friday, February 26, 2021
I am one of Neil Monongye's daughters but we never met. My sincerest condolences to you and your family. She's reunited with her family and your father. We will miss her visits. Take care and may "kyaah" rest in peace.
Mike and Dale Bishop
Friday, February 26, 2021
Sending many prayers for peace and comfort for your family. She was such a precious person. I know your Mom was waiting with open arms for at Heaven’s gate.
Caryn Burgess
Friday, February 26, 2021
She was a wonderful woman. I have so enjoyed keeping up with her life through the eyes of her loving family as seen through social media. I remember many holidays spent with her. I can still hear her laughter at Christmas time during the gift exchange. She will be missed. The world is a little less brighter without her in it.
Jason Stephens
Friday, February 26, 2021
Sending my condolences and love to Chari, Chris and the rest of the family.
Summer Nichols
Friday, February 26, 2021
Granny will be greatly missed! Her infectious smile and personality was always the sunshine on a cloudy day! I’m honored to have gotten to meet and know her during my years at Jasper.
Praying for the family â¤ï¸
Sandra Farmer
Friday, February 26, 2021
Tina, Chari, David, and all the family. I am so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful lady, and I know how much she loved her family. Praying for all of you. Praying the Lord will give you comfort and peace in the days ahead. Sincerely Sandra Farmer
John Linda rote
Friday, February 26, 2021
Mr.Mrs John Rote
Susan Edmondson
Friday, February 26, 2021
Much love and prayers for Granny’s family. Granny was a fun and loving person, and I am glad to have known her. She will be greatly missed.
Joanna Pishko
Friday, February 26, 2021
Sending lots of love and prayers your way.
Harold and Linda King and Sherri
Friday, February 26, 2021
So sorry to hear about granny!! She was such a treasure to know and we have such fond memories from living in parthenon. Prayers and lots of love yalls way today and the days ahead!!
Love yall
Harold, Linda, Sherri and family
Brandy Meeker and Jimmy Meeker
Friday, February 26, 2021
Prayers for all the family.