Lula Mae Grayson

Lula Mae Bell Grayson, of Biloxi, MS passed away June 17, 2018, in her home, peacefully in her sleep while being cared for by her devoted husband and daughter. She was born in Itta Bena, MS, Feb 24, 1934, the daughter of Albert Lee Bell Sr. and Everlena McDowell Bell. Lula Mae became a Christian at an early age, under the leadership of Pastor Joe Mitchell; establishing her membership at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, West Point, MS. Lula Mae attended the White Station Community School and later West Point School, including Mary Holmes College. She was united in matrimony to Charlie (Whochee) Butler; to this union was born one daughter, Betty (Bet) Ruth Bell Butler Smith. Lula Mae moved to St Louis MO, during her early adult life, a few years later, she moved to Cleveland, Ohio. As time passed she relocated to Chicago, IL, where she studied at North Western University Hospital and was certified in Nursing. Lula Mae spent 53 years working in the field of Nursing. She worked in St Louis, MO, then Cleveland, Ohio, where she met and married Robert Henry Grayson. They decided to make Chicago, IL their home, joining with Greater Rock of Ages Baptist Church. Lula Mae and Robert enlisted into the U.S. Army, during this time they traveled to Baumholder, Germany, and several stateside bases, including Seattle, WA. Robert retired in 1998 to Biloxi, MS, after 23 years of military service, at this time continued their Christian fellowship at Triangle Chapel on Keesler Air Force Base; where they have worshipped faithfully for the last 20 years. In 2008 Lula and Robert transferred to Biloxi Living Center. Lula and Robert shared 47 years of marriage. She was preceded in death by 4 brothers: K.C. Montgomery of Artesia, MS; Albert Lee Bell Jr., of Cleveland, OH; Tommie Lee Bell of Chicago, IL; and Willie Bell, also of Cleveland, OH; 4 sisters, Alma Lou, of Buffalo, NY; O’mellia Hicks of Tuscaloosa, AL; Sarah Collins of West Point, MS and Annie Grace-Spraggins Black of Cleveland, OH. Lula Mae is survived by her husband, Robert “Mr. Smiley” Grayson of Biloxi, MS; her daughter, Betty Bell Smith of West Point, MS; 4 brothers-in-law, 5 sisters-in-law, 6 grandsons, 21 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A wake will be held, Friday, June 22, 2018, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m at the chapel of Richmond-August Funeral Home, 184 Main St., Biloxi, MS, 39530. Funeral services for Mrs. Lula Mae Bell Grayson will be held Saturday, June 23, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at the Triangle Chapel, Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS with visitation at 10:00 a.m. **A memorial fund in honor or Mrs. Grayson has been established at Keesler Federal Credit Union. Account reference name: Robert Grayson. The professional staff of Richmond-August Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Mrs. Lula Mae Bell Grayson. Inquires: 228.436.6722