Lula Mae (Anderson) Dearing

Lula Mae Anderson Dearing was born on Easter Sunday, April 5, 1931 at the Decker United Methodist Church parsonage outside of Austin, Texas. She was born to Rev. E.J. Anderson, who was the minister at Decker Methodist at that time, and Ruth Foster Anderson. Lula was married to Donald R. Dearing on July 28, 1951. Donald preceded her in death on July 22, 2012.

She is survived by her children, daughter Stephanie Ehrhardt and her husband James, son, Donald L. Dearing, and daughter, Tammy Burns and husband Rusty. Four grandchildren, Melissa Branch, Royce Dearing, Amanda Ehrhardt, and Macy Burns are also survived to cherish her memory, as well as three great-grandchildren, Noah, Avery, and Ella Branch. She is also survived by one sister, Lucille Rutherford, and many nieces and nephews and dear friends.

In her own personal words: “God has blessed my life with three wonderful and loving children and four precious grandchildren. God was always my strength and comfort and always by my side. My favorite scripture is 1 Corinthians, Chapter 13. I want to thank my family for their love and support during my life and I know some day we will be together with God. I love each and every one of you!”

Lula Mae graduated from Jourdanton High School in Jourdanton, Texas, at the age of sixteen, and was the valedictorian of her class. She moved to Austin, Texas and attended Nixon Clay Business School, as well as taught classes at the business school. She worked for many years for the Texas Health Department in their research department. Later she became a stay at home mom to raise her growing family. She was devoted to her husband and children and her life centered around her family and faith. She was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church in Austin, Texas. She loved music and had a beautiful voice, and she could play both the piano and organ. She loved classical music, her favorite was Pavarotti, and you could always hear it playing loudly in her home. She also loved to shop and decorate. Her home was full of treasures she had acquired in Mexico over the years. She had a green thumb and loved to garden in her earlier years.

She was a faithful supporter of the Make A Wish Foundation, and requested her memorials be made to Make A Wish or the charity of your choice.

Lula Mae Dearing departed this earth on December 18, 2013 to go home to the Lord.

A special thanks to those who supported and took care special care of her this last year, especially her longtime companion and friend, Mickie Rodriguez.