Mrs. Lula M Doman

LULA MCCANE DOMAN, daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great- grandmother and friend transitioned from labor to reward on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 after a one-year battle with leukemia.

On December 18, 1935, Willie McCane and Beatrice Prewitt McCane welcomed into the world their second of nine children, Lula Mae. Lula’s arrival was very special. She was affectionately nicknamed “Fat” by her family. Lula grew up in a time when relatives lived in close proximity of each other. Her maternal grandparents, Isaac “Jack” Edward and Annie Gay Prewitt, were actively involved in her upbringing, living just a couple of doors down from her home in Northport, Alabama. The church was the center of family life and Lula gave her life to Christ as a young girl at the Porter St. Paul’s CME Church in Northport, Alabama.

Hard work was no stranger to Lula; she worked as a housekeeper after school to earn extra spending money. Although Lula’s exposure to working hard began at a tender age, she still enjoyed the traditional activities of a teenager, like being a high school cheerleader, participating in girls’ intramural sports and attending high school dances and the prom. After graduating from Tuscaloosa County Training School in 1954, Lula entered Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and continued to work to finance her education.

With the challenges of the Jim Crow era, Lula did not see herself experiencing a better life in Alabama. Therefore, she decided to relocate to Washington, D.C. in May 1955 where she lived with her uncle Otis Prewitt and his wife Anna.

Washington, D.C. was her destiny. Here she met her husband, James Alexander Doman Jr. They were married February 1956, a union that lasted until James’ death in November 1978. From this union three daughters were born, Audrey Maria, Pamela Renee, and Diana Yvette. Lula and James worked as a team and were determined to create a great life for their daughters. They were one of the first Black families in the 1960s to purchase a home and integrate the Brightwood community of Washington, D. C.

As a mother, Lula taught her daughters to be industrious, independent, and God-fearing women. She was a great homemaker and cook. Many family friends were drawn to her home on Sundays because they knew a delicious meal would be served. She was known for making a banana pudding, that was out of this world!

Lula’s professional career outside of the home was with the May Company, where she received numerous recognitions for excellence in customer service. There she made many lifelong friends.

Retirement for Lula never meant slowing down; but keeping busy doing God’s work, helping others. She volunteered with the Smithsonian Institution as a greeter early in her retirement. Also, Lula was an ambassador for Meals on Wheels and dedicated many years as a volunteer to the organization. She regularly participated in senior exercise groups. Lula also enjoyed traveling in retirement with her daughters. She completed a European tour, visited Canada, Hawaii, Alaska, California, Florida and Nevada, just to name a few destinations.

Lula was a member of Lane Memorial CME Church for several years before joining Israel Metropolitan CME Church in 1979 under the pastorate of Rev. Raymond F. Williams. As a dedicated member, she served in many ministries to include President of Stewardess Board #5, President of the Joint Board of Stewardesses, a member of the Faith Whittington Esther Missionary Circle, former Assistant Secretary of the Women’s Missionary Society, a member of the Spirit of David Sign Language Ministry, a Class Leader for the Under Shepherd Ministry, a member of the Voices of Israel choir, a 30 year volunteer for the Share Food Program and several other activities that exercised her spiritual gift of Service.

Lula will be remembered for her love of service, wise council, caring nature and her ability to make everyone feel special. Left to cherish her memory are daughters, Audrey Maria Doman, Pamela Renee Doman Oliver, and Dr. Diana Yvette Doman Wilkins (Andre); eight siblings, Willie B. Pollard, Otis McCane, Sr. (Sandra), Sadie Jean Hawkins, Dr. Brenda Harrell (Waddell); Howard McCane, Sr. (Ruby), Charlotte Hamler (James), Andre McCane and Kenneth McCane (Mary); three grandchildren, Kevin Phillip Oliver, Keith Patrick Oliver (Brittaney), and Kyra Renea Wilkins; three great-grandchildren Keilanni Monet Oliver, Mason Ethan Oliver, and Liam Lennox Oliver; nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Acknowledgements

The family of Lula McCane Doman would like to acknowledge and express our deep appreciation for the many gestures of love, acts of kindness and expression of condolence that we have received. Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.