Mrs. Lula Delle Mathis, the daughter and 5th child of the late Preston and Princella Gibson was born on July 5, 1927 in Starksville, Mississippi. She accepted Christ as her personal savior at an early age. Her brothers, Charlie, Archie, John, Preston Jr, Sammy and sisters, Marylee, Irene and Willa preceded her in death.

Lula grew up in Starksville Mississippi where she enjoyed doing hair, horseback riding, working and being with her siblings. On May 12, 1948 she wed R.A. Mathis . There were nine children born to this union; Larry (deceased), Howard, Billy (deceased), Bobby (deceased), Doretha (deceased), Marquerita, Kelvin, Arnold and Sabrina.

Lula moved to Cleveland, Ohio with her husband and children in 1956 to relocate and to be around her siblings. She loved her family dearly and was always all about family first. She enjoyed working at Eagle Laundry, one of her first jobs when she moved to Cleveland. Lula was employed at University Hospital until she retired. Lula enjoyed working in her yard, cooking, playing cards, hanging out with siblings, watching sports, and relaxing on the porch.

She leaves to cherish her memory five children; Howard, Marquerita (Bill; preceded in death), Kelvin Sr. (Venus), Arnold (Beverly) and Sabrina (Ronald); sixteen grandchildren: Lynette (Garry), Theresa (David), Anton, Rayshaun, Martina, Jessica, Kimberly, Kelley, Kelvin Jr., Jasma, Curtis (Tierra), Byron (preceded in death), LaSha’, Kourtney, LaTo’sha (Jamon), Janese and Kristen; twenty great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. One sibling Addie Jones of Cleveland Ohio (Jimmy; preceded in death) one brother in-law Roger Mathis of New Orleans, LA and sister in law; Martha Brent of Jackson, MS. One special friend, Lue A. Price, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends