Lula Mae Grizzard

Lula Mae Grizzard was an anointed woman of God with deep convictions, exceptional grace, and boundless love for family, friends and people of all walks of life. She was born in Booneville, MS. on March 10, 1930; the fifth of eight children of Mitchell and Adlena Miller. In June 1948 Lula was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Robert C. Grizzard in Booneville and moved to Massillon, OH in 1951. They enjoyed a wonderful life together for more than 40 years, building an enduring reputation for uncompromising Christian lifestyles, hard work, strong family values, and for enabling others to maximize their gifts and pursue excellence. Lula received several awards for outstanding community service. Lula accepted Christ in 1952 at Morning Star United Holy Church in Massillon, and received her calling into ministry in 1954. She joined the Holiness Church of Christ Deliverance Center in 1959 under the powerful leadership of the late Apostle Sam Sallis. She was ordained and appointed Assistant Pastor of the Full Gospel Temple, which originated through prayer meetings held in her home. She served dutifully in that office under the late Pastor Elvester Keeton for more than 30 years, while raising children, working as a Home Health Aide and serving as a traveling evangelist in many regions of the country. In 1993, Lula was promoted to the office of National Mother of the Holiness Church of Christ; and, she served on the National Elders' Board and participated faithfully in the Akron local church under several pastors. In ministry, she consistently demonstrated Godly wisdom, frank presentation of gospel truths, powerful manifestations of the Holy Spirit, and sincere compassion for the least among us. Always, Lula was well-respected by family, clergy, community leaders, and many devoted friends. When not attending church or ministering publicly, she enjoyed home bible studies, gardening, reading; and watching DVD's, religious programs and NBA playoff basketball. She had a fantastic sense of humor and a gift for storytelling; her phone rung almost incessantly; and, on most days someone dropped by for a meal or snack, prayer, spiritual counseling, or simply to reminisce about surviving tough times in segregated Mississippi. She openly confessed her favored scripture, Psalm 37:25 - "I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread;" while modeling the words of her favorite song, "I Won't Complain." Lula leaves to cherish her memory: dear sister, Emma Williams and brother, J. C. Miller, both of Columbus, Ohio; five children: Robert, Howard, Mary Jeter, Duane and Dennis Sr.; five grandchildren: Sonji, Ranetta, Brandon, Jeremy (Bevin) and Dennis, Jr. (DJ); six great-grandchildren: Yaseen, Ismael, Ariana, Gavin, Jayden and JayLa; three step great-grandchildren, Joe, Tre, and Nevaeh; a host of appreciative relatives, friends, fellow-workers in ministry, and spiritual children too numerous to name. In addition to her parents and loving husband, Robert C. Grizzard; she was predeceased by brothers Eugene, Otis, and James; and sisters, Erie Spencer and Marie Sherrod. Messages of sympathy and support can be sent to the family either at 658 Young St. SE, Massillon, c/o A Howard Grizzard or www.paquelet.com.