MS. Lula Jean Sears

In Loving Memory Of: The Lord had a plan and purpose for Lula Jean Lewis, as she boldly entered this world on that glorious Friday, April 21, 1944. Lula was born into the loving union of Henry and Pinky (Sams) Lewis, in the small farming community of Cliftonville, Mississippi. Faith, family and farming was the foundation for the burgeoning Lewis family, as they continued to increase their footprint in Noxubee County. Although farm life was extremely tough, Henry Lewis was a visionary who endeavored to own and cultivate his own land. Recognizing that Lula was an extremely bright child, her parents insisted that she receive a proper education. Formally uneducated, Henry relied heavily on his young daughter, Lula, to ensure that he wasn’t cheated. As Lula navigated through several school systems in Mississippi and Arkansas, she skipped grades along her journey and graduated from Macon Liddell High School in 1962. Aside from her educational pursuits, Lula also acknowledged the importance of being spiritually rooted and accepted Christ at a very early age. In her youth, she was a member of the Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Reverend Samuels. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 Her strong family support and Christian upbringing taught Lula that she had a unique purpose and that every person was entitled to live life more abundantly. Lula also knew that leaving the segregated south was absolutely key to that pursuit. At the tender age of 18, Lula bravely departed Mississippi and headed north to Chicago. Her older brother, Willie, welcomed her into his home as she began her new life in the big city. She never looked back! In Chicago, Lula also connected with her beloved cousin, Georgia Sams (Davis), and embarked upon the life for which she knew she was fearfully and wonderfully made to live. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. Proverbs 31:25 Lula flourished and embraced life in Chicago, where she later met and married her husband, Varner Sears. Patrick “Anthony”, Angela and Chylanda soon made their young family complete. However, Lula was never one to settle for anything, or anyone, for that matter. She realized that her life had many more intriguing chapters yet to be written. Abruptly and with three young children in tow, Lula brazenly left behind all that she had worked for in Chicago and set out for new adventures in Detroit, Michigan. Once again, Lula was welcomed to a new city by her brothers. This time, it was James and Johnny, who both assured her that she could find work with them at the Chrysler Corporation. This move set the trajectory for what would be a life well lived for Lula Jean Sears. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:17 Reinventing herself in a new city was no crystal stair. Although Lula was successful in finding work at Chrysler, the evening shift hours at the factory were certainly not conducive to raising three young children alone on the Eastside of Detroit. Ever the thinker, Lula encouraged two of her younger sisters, Joann and Mattie “Kay”, to move to Detroit, for better opportunities and education. All of these “guests” soon took over Johnny’s two-family flat on Kirby Street, but it was all love. Joann and Kay helped Lula to raise Anthony, Angela and Chylanda. Frankly, the entire Eastside neighborhood looked out for Anthony, Angela and Chylanda. Most notably, Carrie Hogan and Mary Henderson were sure to give Lula a full and comprehensive daily report of her children’s after-school shenanigans. Although it wasn’t always easy, she certainly appreciated her village. Wanting more for her family, Lula set the bar high in terms of education and work. She pushed and supported her sisters and children to become college educated. Additionally, in spite of obstacles seen and unseen, Lula also earned her own degree from Central Michigan University. She was a quintessential modern-day supermom, if ever there was one. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord. Luke 1:45 Affectionately known as “Lulu” to her work family, Lula Sears began her long and stellar Chrysler career at the Mt. Elliott plant in 1974. She later moved to the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant before making her final mark at the Conner Avenue Plant, known at the time for its production of the highly coveted Viper and Prowler vehicles. Always a trailblazer, Lula Sears was reportedly the first woman to work at this facility. Respected for her intelligence and hard work, Lula was afforded the opportunity to work in various positions at Chrysler, including Quality Inspector/Auditor and Shipping Coordinator. Lula was also a very proud and out-spoken member of the United Auto Workers union (UAW) and The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists. Lula later received a national appointment by the UAW President and served as the Attendance Counselor at Conner Avenue until her well-earned retirement in 2008. Lula made several lifelong sister-friends at Chrysler, including her best friend, Christine Haywood, Brenda Evans and Sharon Green. She particularly loved her UAW Chrysler family and touched the lives of many, especially the young people with whom she worked and mentored. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands, she plants a vineyard. Proverbs 31:16-17 Lula Sears was a smart and very savvy businesswoman. Anticipating the needs of the community, Lula partnered with her son-in-law, Delano Walton, and opened P&D Uniforms in 2006. The retail business continued to expand, moving to its third location in 2017. Aside from her business partner, Jerrie Crocker was her right hand at P&D Uniforms and her contribution to the store’s success is noteworthy and appreciated. Lula was also a property owner and real estate investor, remembering the lessons of ownership passed down from her father. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. Psalm 46:5 Never forgetting her Christ-centered foundation, Lula remained a faithful servant of the Lord. She joined O.A.C. Community Baptist church in the 1980s, under the leadership of Reverend G.W. Moore and remained a member until its closure. She later joined Second Canaan Missionary Baptist Church on April 14, 1991, where the Pastor Frank Harris, Jr. currently presides. Lula served on several church committees. She was the Chairperson of the Trustee Ministry, was actively involved in the Sunday School Adult Division and very actively participated in weekly bible class. Her trusted church family was also her family. Their friendship, fellowship and support were extremely instrumental to her success in her as Chairperson. But by the grace of God, I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. 1 Corinthians 15:10 Our beloved Lula Jean Sears made her peaceful transition and received her heavenly reward on Monday, January 3, 2022. She leaves an indelible legacy for all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her parents, Henry and Pinky Lewis, preceded her in death, along with four of her sisters: Beauty Pearl Corbin, Cordelia Lewis, Armentha Sims and Joann Lewis. Lula was also met at the gates of heaven by three of her brothers: Willie Lewis, James Lewis and Eugene Lewis. However, Lula leaves a legacy of strength, love and laughter for her family. She leaves her one and only son, Patrick Anthony Lewis, her daughter-in-law, Gloria Lewis and her grandson, Patrick (PJ) Lewis, Jr. to fondly remember the time they shared. Her daughter, Angela Sears, and beloved grandchildren, Michael Jefferson, Jr. and Mikayla Jefferson, will miss her forever and cherish her beautiful memory. Her baby girl, Chylanda Sears-Walton, her son-in-law, Delano Walton, and granddaughter, Ashley Lee, will forever feel the unfillable void that her absence leaves. Lula will be remembered by her niece, LaToya Lewis, who called her “Mama” and with whom she shared a special bond. She will be missed by her dear cousin and private bodyguard, Sheila “Stacey” Summerville. Lula will never be replaced in the hearts of her brothers and sister: Johnny (Gail) Lewis, Wilson Lewis, Jerry (Lorraine) Lewis, Ruthie Sims, Barbara Williams, Doris Cockrell and Mattie Lewis. Lula leaves dozens of nieces and nephews, friends, co-workers and extended family members who will miss her support, counsel and love. May the work that I’ve done speak for me!

MS. Lula Jean Sears

April 21, 1944 - January 3, 2022