Lula (Lulu) Mae Jenkins was born July 13, 1940, to Leamon Jenkins and Edna Mae Jenkins in Anniston, Alabama. She was the fourth of six children. Lula was 82 years old when she departed this life on March 2, 2023, at the Carnegie Village Residential Facility located in Belton, Missouri.

Lula received Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at a young age. She was a member of the U-Church for numerous years until she joined Mount Washington Missionary Baptist Church in 2016. Lula served on the Mother's Board and always gave encouragement to the Mount.

Lula received her education from Cobb High in Anniston Alabama. She played basketball for four years in high school and was a pitcher on the softball team.  She was married to her high school sweetheart, Willie Joe Willingham for 18 years.

Lula worked as a teacher's assistant in Los Angeles, California, and retired from General Motors Fairfax Plant in Kansas City, Kansas.

Lula loved spending time with family and friends. She also enjoyed reading novels, painting, and watching The Andy Griffith Show, Perry Mason, Matlock, watching westerns, listening to all music, The Williams Brothers, Jackson Southernaires, Five Blind Boys of Alabama, Blues, and R&B legends like Johnny Taylor, BB King, Stephanie Mills, and Denise LaSalle.

Lula was a master builder of brick fire pits, fireplaces, and patio sets. She was known for her witty comments and her unfiltered words.

She was preceded in death by both parents, all siblings, and her youngest child, Pokie (age 9).

Lula leaves to cherish her memory three children: Loumerrell Willingham, Lorraine (Mickey/Rainey) Siddell, Andre Willingham, her adopted children; GE Sanders, Terrilyn Melton, and Anthony Jenkins, grandchildren Iesha Willingham (Kennedy), Demetrius Trammel Sr. who was like a second son (Demetrius Trammel Jr.) Chico Willingham, Lashenna Flowers, Tarvis Huguley (Kano, Zackary), Domonic Willingham, Jamel Willingham, Andrea Willingham and Porschia/Scooter and Jarvis Reed

(Jeremiah and Ella),10 great-grandchildren and a host of friends.