Lula Merrian Conley

Lula Merrian Conley, the second of four children, was born on December 27, 1929, in St. Joseph, Louisiana, to parents Frank and Bessie Jackson. Her brother Columbus thought she was so precious he nicknamed her Gold Baby. She was raised in Tallulah, Louisiana, and lived there for 20 years. During this time, Lula attended and graduated from Madison Parrish Training School.

As a young child, Lula gave her life to the Lord and Savior and was an active member in church throughout her life.

In 1949 at age 21 and in search of a better quality of life, Lula led her mother and her daughter, Cookie, west to California. She later began a 20-year career at International Rectifier, in El

Segundo, California. Her ambition to learn and advance led her to attend Sawyer Business School, where she studied to become an IBM Keypunch Operator. While working as a keypunch operator, her entrepreneurial spirit led her to enroll in junior college where she earned a day care license. The Conley Family Day Care, served hundreds of families throughout its 12-year existence. This endeavor proved to be a natural fit, as her loving, sincere personality resonated with every family that she was blessed to provide care for.

Lula met and married Robert F. Conley in 1970. Together they raised three children in Inglewood, California. Lula and Robert enjoyed traveling, hosting friends and watching Kobe Bryant lead the Lakers on the court. Upon their retirement, Robert and Lula moved to Henderson, Nevada. Seeking a church home, she was led by the Lord to St. Matthews Baptist Church where she became a founding member.

Mark 12:30-31 states, “And you shall love the LORD your GOD with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: 'you shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." As a child of God, Lula proved through her actions that she took heed to these commandments. Lula often sought opportunities to help those in need. She was a foster parent to four children and cared for them for many years. She cared for the sick and elderly, supported children in foreign countries and was always there for a friend in need. Her example of selfless giving served as a model for her three children.

Lula departed this world on December 10, 2014. She was preceded in death, by her sister, Mary Lambert, her brother Columbus Jackson, and her granddaughter, Tiffanie Jenkins.

Lula leaves a legacy to those who remain:

Her husband, Robert Conley, daughters Martha Moton (Howard), Kemala Washington (Alphonso), and son, Reno Conley. A sister, Jessie Lee (Percy). Three grandchildren; Stacey Jenkins, Kailan Washington and Dylan Conley. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, a host of friends and her church family.