4934

, 2004

20, 2004 44:00 a.m. a/n $tt4em>Me oft/te yfwiwld fylni-vel&i

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Lula Cole Dawson, in whose memory we gather today, was an individual of extraordinary vision, talent, presence, and accomplishment. A born leader, she exercised tremendous influence on the lives of many, especially on young people, young girls in particular, who sought her advice constantly and were inevitably enriched by the counsel she gave. Without fanfare, Lula worked in church and civic organizations, in social clubs, and in educational endeavors with a view toward making situations better than she found them.

She worked not "in support" of her husband but in close collaboration with him, sharing the burdens and challenges, contributing to problem solving, and above all, providing extraordinary measures of insight and optimism. She was a mother of uncommon devotion and dedication. Her generosity, as large numbers will attest, was legendary.

The second child of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Cole Sr., she was born April 15, 1931, in Jonesboro, Louisiana, where she attended public schools. Graduating with honors from her high school there, she matriculated at Southern University, Baton Rouge, at 16, majoring in sociology. Among other offices held in college,
she was best known as president of the Young Womens Christian Association.

Graduating in mid-year, 195152, Lula worked in personnel at

Southern before commencing a

period of study at the Andover

Newton

Seminary

in

Massachusetts. She spent a year

studying social work in the

graduate school at Boston

University.

_________ _______ At 16

On August 30, 1953, Lula and Horace G. Dawson Jr., then an
instructor at Southern University,
were married in her home

In Rome en route to the first overseas assignment, delayed temporarily because of the Bay of Pigs incident.
church, Brown Grove Baptist, in Jonesboro. The couple moved immediately to North Carolina, where he became instructor and later associate professor and director of public relations at North Carolina College at Durham (now North Carolina Central University). For three years, Lula was an official with the North Carolina Employment Security Commission in Raleigh. In Durham, she gave birth to the couples two sons, Horace G. , 111, and H. Gregory.
The family left North Carolina in 1962 to begin a career in the U.S. Foreign Service. With the United States Information Agency, the family lived in Uganda, Nigeria, and Liberia. In each of these countries, Lula became involved with womens organizations and with activities of young girls and youth. She conducted classes for the wives of public officials in Uganda; worked with womens organizations and the YWCA in Nigeria; and was a special assistant to the wife of the Vice President of Liberia in raising funds for an unwed mothers shelter in Monrovia. In addition, Lula mentored young girls, teaching, guiding, and serving as a role model for them.

In Rome en route to the first overseas assignment, delayed temporarily because of the Bay of Pigs incident.
church, Brown Grove Baptist, in Jonesboro. The couple moved immediately to North Carolina, where he became instructor and later associate professor and director of public relations at North Carolina College at Durham (now North Carolina Central University). For three years, Lula was an official with the North Carolina Employment Security Commission in Raleigh. In Durham, she gave birth to the couples two sons, Horace G. , III, and H. Gregory.
The family left North Carolina in 1962 to begin a career in the U.S. Foreign Service. With the United States Information Agency, the family lived in Uganda, Nigeria, and Liberia. In each of these countries, Lula became involved with womens organizations and with activities of young girls and youth. She conducted classes for the wives of public officials in Uganda; worked with womens organizations and the YWCA in Nigeria; and was a special assistant to the wife of the Vice President of Liberia in raising funds for an unwed mothers shelter in Monrovia. In addition, Lula mentored young girls, teaching, guiding, and serving as a role model for them.

?rnard Richardson, Dean of the Chapel Presiding

Clergy
of Praise "It is Well With My Soul" Hymnal 377

ilms" 23

H. Gregory Dawson, son

relation" 21,1-7 Mignon Espy, Niece

/erend Ronald Braxton, Senior Minister an African Methodist Episcopal Church

! Waters of Babylon" Phillip James The H.U. Ensemble

is, Baltimore, Md. >n Rouge, La. /son, Richmond, Va.
lame So Sweet" arr. nail Johnson The H.U. Ensemble

her clubs and organizations, Mrs. Doris Haley
. Clarice Reid, National Vice President, American Bridge Association
Dn III, Esq., son
AmyTate Billingsley
everend William Philips DeVeaux, shop, 16th District, AME Church
I Don Done" arr. J. Weldon Norris Joseph Smith, Tenor Soloist

On the tenth anniversary of the founding of the First Ladys Charity, Lady Masire bestows Botswana honor on Lula for her contribution.
Following the Service, interment will take place in Rock Creek Cemetery, the Reverend Ronald E. Braxton, officiating.
There will be a reception in the Blackburn Center, Howard University, following the interment.
Pallbearers
Mr. Kermit Billups Dr. Reginald Cole Dr. Konrad L. Dawson Dr. Michael A. Dawson Mr. Wymon W. Dawson Mr. Thomas Espy Mr. Kelvin McClinton Anthony Towns, Esq.
The family is most grateful and will remain so eternally for all the comfort, love, and support shown by so many in these early hours of our bereavement. This outpouring of friendship and understanding reminds us of the magnitude of our loss and of what Lula meant to so many even beyondthe bond of family. We thank you, one and all.