Lula Mary Holden

On Sunday, August 5, 1923, the world was graced with the birth of a beautiful baby girl born to the late Willie and Mary Gordon in Arnaudville, Louisiana. They lovingly named her Lula Mary. She was the fourth of nine children, growing up surrounded by family, love, and strong values. Lula shared a special and tender bond with her father—she was truly a “Daddy’s girl.” Whenever her mother would discipline her, Lula would often run to her father, seeking his comfort and protection, a reflection of the love and closeness they shared. Reared in the church by her parents, Lula accepted Christ at an early age, beginning a lifelong walk of faith that would guide and sustain her throughout her life.

Lula attended grade school in Jennings, Louisiana. It was also in Jennings where she was blessed, from a previous marriage, with four beautiful children: Jenell, Gail, Elbert, and Winnetta.

At age 18, Lula courageously followed her dreams and made her way to the “Big City,” Houston, Texas, in pursuit of new opportunities. Alongside her sisters, Ola and Mildred, Lula embraced her entrepreneurial spirit and opened a café in Frenchtown, the “Rose Bowl,” later renamed the “Cotton Bowl.” It quickly became a vibrant gathering place where members of the community could come together, fellowship, and enjoy one of Lula’s greatest joys—dancing and having a good time.

Lula’s relationship with Christ was of utmost importance to her, and she deeply valued fellowship with other believers. After moving to Houston, she joined St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, where she faithfully served as a devoted Lady and a catechism teacher. Among her students were her nephews, André and Stefon; her niece, Angela; and her daughter, Tina.

It was in Houston that Lula also met her soul mate, Harold Luther. Captivated by her beauty and spirit, Harold was smitten from the very first moment—it was truly love at first sight. The two were united in holy matrimony on November 27, 1962, and together they built a life rooted in love, faith, and service. To this blessed union, one daughter was born, Tina Marie. Side by side, Lula and Harold remained committed members of St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, faithfully serving and uplifting their church community.

After answering the call to pursue her dream of becoming an educator, Lula enrolled at Texas Southern University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1975. Driven by her passion for uplifting and guiding others, she continued her academic journey, pursuing a Master of Education with a concentration in Counseling. In 1980, she proudly earned her degree from Prairie View A&M University, further equipping herself to impact lives both in and beyond the classroom.

Her desire to pursue counseling was rooted in her God-given gift of bringing people together. Lula was a true connector, known for her ability to mend relationships and foster understanding. She often described herself as a peacemaker—a role she embodied with grace, compassion, and love.

Lula dedicated over 20 years to the North Forest Independent School District, where she taught fourth grade at Shadydale Elementary School. She touched countless lives with her wisdom, patience, and unwavering commitment to her students. In 2004, she retired at the remarkable age of 81, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in education.

After retiring, Lula embraced life to the fullest by traveling the world with the love of her life. Together, she and Harold visited places many only dream of, including Spain, France, Jerusalem, Egypt, Portugal, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Germany, and Hawaii, among others—exploring a total of 23 countries.

In addition to her love of travel, Lula found joy in sewing, cooking, dancing, playing dominoes, shopping, and, most of all, spending time with her family. Christmas was her absolute favorite holiday, as it brought her entire family together. It was a time filled with fellowship, laughter, games, dancing, and an abundance of joy that she cherished deeply. Lula delighted in creating moments where love and laughter were shared, making every gathering a treasured memory for all.

On Good Friday, April 3, 2026, God, in His infinite wisdom, called His beloved daughter home. Surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Lula transitioned peacefully from this life into eternal rest, embraced by the love of her family and the promise of everlasting life.

Lula was preceded in death by parents Willie and Mary Gordon, loving grandchildren: Suvitra Deniege, Bryan Jermaine, Craig, Eric, Thomas, Erika; beloved siblings: Thelma, Roy, Almeda, Gustavia, Ola, Stafford, Mildred and Baby Hazel.

She leaves to cherish her memories a loving and devoted husband Harold, her loving children Jenell, Gail (Vernon Sr.), Elbert (Bernita), Winnetta (Rick), Tina (Thomas); 27 grandchildren; 83 great grandchildren; 32 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nephews, nieces, family and friends.

Grandchildren: Earchelle (Huey), Earl (Lura); Vernon (Cherekia), Terrance (Winona), Robert (Emelder), Venitra (Dwon), Troy (Jabrina), Brent (Tinile), Tashalyn, Cassie; James Ann, Malon(Renee), Nikki, Harold, Shanta, Kesha, Elbert (Bridget), Derrell (Tierra), Rochelle; Gerard, Terrieal, Derrick (Jasmine); Tiffany (Andre); Taren, Tesslyn (Otejiri), Tristen (Joshua), Trelon

Great-Grandchildren: Huey III, Elijah D., Darius, Mykayla, Cordell, JaMarcus, Zoe’, Elliana, Ava, Khloe, Emily, Ethan, Tatum, Zuri, James Jr., Jasmine, Joshua (kimara), Melanie, Kinsley,Courtney, Steve, Cayla, Orreyel, Aaron, Bernita, Destiny, Kaden, Harold Jr., Derrick Jr., Simi, Laylo, Davion, Eric, Xavier, Layla, Aidan, Alisa, Arianna, Kylan, Galvin, Kaleb, Dereon, Kieran, Khamil, Uriah, Ezra, Cameron, Daijah, Lauren, Donta Jr., Kennedie, Dominic, Kansas, Vernon Jr., Drayon (Kimbre), Jirrin (Diana), Qwalon, Aerial (Tyler Sr.), Robert II, Rodrick, Raylon, Eyrian, Romeyn, Troy Jr., (Jackie) Tyshie (Treylen), Trevian, Zion (Jarielle), Zydion (Jasmine), JaKorrie, Torian, Zaydah, Jaida, Amheir, Yerushalayim, Cheftzi-Vah, Terrance II, Elijah O., Josiah (Gabby), Marcus, Brent, Taelor, Tiraji, Terranisha, Charmaine

Great-Great-Grandchildren: Karter, Simon, Aliyas, Dahlia, Destiny, Kaden, Marziel, Jirren Jr., Janiyah, Jagger, Audrey, Jeremiah, Tyler Jr., Juliette, Teaguen, Jade, Robert III, Carter, Aaliyah, Ry’Lynn, Aaniyah, Anaise, Troy III, Achilles, Tori, Zion Jr., Zafar, JaLarian, Torunsolo, Zhamoria, Zhaneah, Zacoris

Lula’s life was a true reflection of her favorite scripture, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9). Lula lived this truth daily, bringing comfort, unity, and love to all who knew her.

“Well done, good and faithful servant…enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” — Matthew 25:23