On Wednesday, March 26, 2025, the Lord called Lula to glory; she was in her home surrounded by the love of her family. Mrs. Lula Mae Brown Woodson, daughter of the late Robert L. Brown and Nancy Jane Mooring Brown, was born on Oct. 2, 1931, on Blunt Lane in Pitt County North Carolina, the oldest of 10 siblings. The family migrated to New Haven, Conn., in 1942 when Lula was the sweet age of 11. Lula was educated in the New Haven Public School System. Raised in a house of faith, Lula joined Pitts Chapel Free Will Baptist Church in 1949.
Lula met and married Carl Woodson Jr. in 1956, and from this union they were blessed with five children: Diane, Carolyn, Kwame, the late Marian and Gary. After her late husband transitioned, she shared a life with the late Allen Royster and was blessed with two children, Alice and the late Eric. Lula had a heart of gold and adopted a wonderful daughter, Rose, who has been a joy to the family. In addition to her children, Lula’s legacy includes 37 living grandchildren and one deceased grandchild, John Corbett; 42 great-grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren who lovingly called her “Big Mommy.”
Lula loved the Lord and lived a life of service to her family, community and church. As a member of Pitts Chapel Church, she sang in the Gospel Choir. In addition to serving the Lord through the gift of song, Lula served on the Ushers Board, Kitchen Ministry, Missionary Board, Pastors Aide Club and the Mothers Board. She was also a member of several other organizations, such as Sisters Journey, The Perfect Blend and The Red Hatters.
Lula was a woman who was never afraid to roll up her sleeves and work hard, even at an early age. She was employed by Majestic Laundry, Grace Hospital, which we know today as Yale New Haven Hospital, and ultimately retired from US Repeating Arms-Winchester after 40 years of dedicated service. Lula was also an entrepreneur who operated a corner store — Lu’s Variety in the Newhallville neighborhood. Lula was an excellent cook and baker, often baking cakes and pies from scratch that would make your mouth water! She was a true saint who always opened her heart and her home to those in need. She had a green thumb and enjoyed tending to her plants and gardening. Lula also loved spending time traveling or simply enjoying her family and friends. God has smiled upon Lula and showed his favor towards her life; Lula survived Breast Cancer and survived the Covid-19 Global Pandemic!
She was preceded in death by parents, Robert L. Brown and Nancy Jane Mooring Brown; brothers, David and Donald Brown; sisters, Mattie Belle, Helen Durham, Pearline Moore, Mary Galloway, Dorothy McNeil and Mamie Ruth Coleman; daughter, Marian Woodson and son, Eric Woodson.
Lula leaves to mourn her passing; her children, Diane (Randy), Carolyn (Cheryl), Kwame (Shannon), Gary, Alice, and adopted daughter, Rose; along with a host of grandchildren. Lula also leaves behind her beloved sister, Martha Conyers and brother, Ronald Brown of New Haven; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Lula has always been a pillar of strength and wisdom for her family. To God be the Glory for the Wondrous things He has done!