Lula Eva Strode

 In Loving Memory of Lula "Grandma Lou" Strode 

Lula Strode, affectionately known by those that loved her as Grandma Lou, was born in Jefferson City, Missouri, on October 27, 1919. She passed away leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and an unwavering spirit. 

In 1943, Lula married the love of her life, Willis J. Strode, Sr., and together they built a beautiful life filled with cherished memories. Lou worked in several different areas during her career. One being a police officer for the Kingsport Police Department, where she served as a school patrol officer. Lou traveled with the school system to Washington several times. She owned a restaurant called the Coffee Haus, where she operated and cooked all the meals. Lou dedicated most of her life to retail, culminating in her remarkable career in the retail shoe industry. She owned and operated several successful shoe stores in Mississippi, earning respect and admiration within her community. Her career spanned many decades, and she finally retired at the impressive age of 92. 

Grandma Lou's passion for flowers was evident to all who knew her. Her beautifully tended garden often won the prestigious Yard of the Month award in her subdivision, showcasing her green thumb and her love for nature's beauty. She loved sending cards for birthdays, holidays, and just because she loved you. 

Lou was the proud mother of three sons: Dan (Kathy), Stevie, (deceased) and Bill Jr. (Kelly) Her family continued to grow, and she leaves behind cherished memories for her grandchildren Chris Strode (Stephanie), Erica Nigrelli (Nathan), Lindsay Lacy (Stephen), Chase Strode (Laura Heggins-Strode), DeAnna Simons, and Addie Shoemaker (Clay). Her love and legacy extend to her great-grandchildren: Carter, Riley, Emily, Elayna, Avery, J.J., Lexi, Clara, and Kaisen. 

Lou was a member of Broadstreet Methodist Church in Kingsport, TN and Madison Memorial Methodist Church in Madison, MS. She volunteered in the hospitals and community throughout the years. 

Throughout her lifetime, Grandma Lou witnessed a myriad of historical moments. She saw 20 U.S. presidents lead the nation, and she lived through five significant wars. Although she was born after the First Flight by the Wright Brothers, she marveled at the progress of aviation, the Moon Landing, the Internet and personal computers, and she was there to see it all. Grandma Lou also witnessed the triumphs of Women’s Suffrage, the transformative Civil Rights Movement, and the challenges of the Great Depression. Her life spanned several pandemics, each one a testament to human resilience and determination. When she was young, she rode to school in a horse and buggy. And yet, by the time she passed, we had self-driving cars. 

These are just a few examples, and there are many more events that have shaped the world over the past century. It's truly remarkable to consider how much history one person could witness in their lifetime. The amount of change she saw in her lifetime is mind-blowing. But as incredible as her life on Earth was, her new life has just begun. When she opened her eyes for the first time in eternity, she saw Jesus face to face and was reunited with loved ones who had gone before her. What a beautiful homecoming that must have been.

Grandma Lou's memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her. Her life was a testament to hard work, love, and the importance of family. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. 

She is truly an Angel!

October 27, 1919 – February 11, 2025

She is proceeded in death by her son, Dan Strode, mother, Evelyn Heether (Granma Dolly), husband, Willis J. Strode, Sr., son, Steven Strode.

Pallbearers, Bill Strode, Chris Strode, Chase Strode, Robbie Jarman, Clay Shoemaker.

Honorary, DeAnna Simons, Addie Shoemaker

Honorary Junior pallbearer, Kaisen Simons