Lula Weatherly

Lula Weatherly, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on January 7, 2025. She was born in Marston, Missouri, on October 27, 1932, to the union of James and Jennie (Robinson) Monroe. Lula grew up in Muncie, Indiana, where she graduated from Muncie Central High School in 1950.

Lula married Charles E. Weatherly, Sr., and together they had one son, Charles Jr. Later in life, she met James W. Jackson, and they had a daughter, Cheryl Jenise (Jackson) Wilson.

A licensed cosmetologist at the age of 19, Lula continued to do hair as a side business while pursuing a career with the U.S. government. She began working at the Army Finance Center in Indianapolis in 1956, where she earned several in-grade awards and promotions. After several years, she transferred to the Social Security Administration office in Muncie, Indiana. In 1974, Lula moved her family to Carbondale, Illinois, where she continued her career as a Claims Representative at the Social Security Administration until her retirement in 1988.

After retiring, Lula devoted her time to volunteering for Southern Illinois Hospital (SIH), where she was featured in several of their advertisements and brochures. She was also a founding board member of the African American Museum of Southern Illinois where she not only volunteered but also assisted with the annual Eve of Elegance fundraisers. Lula was also a charter member of Zeta Amicae of Carbondale.

Lula was an active member of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as treasurer, trustee, and a member of the Working on the Building committee. She worked with others to beautify the church property, planting shrubs and flowers. Lula was also involved with Church Women United and volunteered at the annual Hunger Sale until her health prevented her from doing so.

In her earlier years, Lula was an avid bowler and enjoyed playing bingo and cards, often spending Saturday evenings playing cards with the other 3 "golden girls"—Beulah Brown, Virginia Nesbitt, and Jewel Thompson. Lula also loved traveling, sewing, and gardening, where she took great pride in tending to her flowers. She was even honored with Carbondale's Bright Spot Award in 2003.

Above all, Lula cherished time with her family. She was a devoted mother and grandmother and loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and extended family. She attended all soccer and little league baseball games, piano recitals, plays, musical performances and anything else her grandchildren participated in. Her home was a place where love and laughter were always abundant, and she was frequently visited by family from near and far.

Lula was preceded in death by her parents, James and Jennie Monroe; her sister and brother-in-law, Rejnia and Odel Taylor; close cousins, Rose Laster and Mary Robinson; and other special relatives and friends.

She leaves to cherish her memory two children, Charles E. Weatherly Jr. and Jenise (Rev. K. Donnell) Wilson; grandchildren, Matthew Wilson, DeShae Weatherly, Malik Wilson, and bonus grandson Diamante Jackson; five great-grandchildren, Dominique Gilchrist Jr., D'Mari Weatherly, Kaylen Kelly, Erin Harrison, and Morgan Jackson; nephews, Martin (Melissa), Marvin, and Lawrence Taylor; a special niece, Delores “Cookie” Bledsoe; close cousins, Algea Saunders, Arlene Martin, and Lenora Lay along with dear friends, including Jewel Thompson, Julia Rowe, Christine Thomas, and Christine Matthews. Additionally, she is survived by a host of cousins, friends, and extended family.

Lula was a classy and sophisticated lady who loved her family and embraced life. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

Ministry of Comfort Entrusted to Southern Cremation and Burial Services of Murphysboro, Illinois. (618)-684-2228