On October 26th, 1933 Lula Marie McCartney was the first born child to the parentage of Joe and Flozzie Woods in Woodville, Texas. She found Christ at an early age and was educated by the Tyler County Public School district.

While attending high school, she exhibited superb basketball skills and began cultivating a life-long love for the sport. She met Richard Earl McCartney, the love of her life, and they were married in 1952. God blessed their union with eight children.

Shortly after marriage, Lula and Richard moved to Dallas, Texas where she began her career in the Healthcare Industry. After 44 years of dedicated service to patients and priceless knowledge, she retired in 1997. Mrs. McCartney was an active member of LaDale Missionary Baptist church for 41 years, until her health declined.

Mrs. McCartney believed in demonstrating her faith through acts of love and service to others, expecting nothing in return. Friends, relatives and neighbors were lovingly welcomed into her home, offered a plate of food, laughter or given sage counsel on life. She even shared her home if they were in need. When she felt family members had become too busy to connect, she prepared homemade meals every Thursday evening for everyone to "swing by and get a plate." No matter how much or how little she had, her unsung motto seemed to be "There is always room for one more." Mrs. McCartney was an ocular demonstration of loving your neighbor as yourself!

She loved deeply and she was deeply loved in return. Time on this earth is something we can't buy or determine. It is a gift from God. He blessed her with 88 great years on this earth as a dedicated wife, sister, mother, grandmother and friend. The family will especially miss her resounding greeting of "Hey Baby" to all those she loved!

Both parents, her husband, children; Richard Earl, Jr., Glenn, Donald Ray, Cynthia Minnifee and siblings; Molly Barlow, Donald Ward and Otis Lee Woods preceded her in death.

Mrs. McCartney made her transition from this earthly life to eternal life on the seventeenth of February, twenty twenty-two. A welcoming committee of relatives were awaiting her arrival.

She will be forever loved and cherished by her sons: Anthony Wayne (Dorothy) of DeSoto, TX; Victor (Shahara) of Dallas, TX; daughters: Linda (John) Jackson and Rhonda (Kenneth) Ross both of Lancaster, TX; and brother: Richard Earl Mitchell of Woodville, TX;

11 grandchildren (who affectionately call her "Gran"), 21 great grandchildren, one great, great grandchild, numerous extended family members and dear, dear friends.

She was a Christian woman, matriarch, mother and friend whose light will shine forever in our hearts. We will miss her deeply and will continue to Praise God for the precious gift of Lula Marie McCartney.