of La Palma, CA
June 24, 1927 - May 23, 2022
Devoted to her family and community, Lula A. Payne died at her home in La Palma, California, on May 23, 2022. She was 95.
With deep roots and strong ties to family and friends in both California and Arkansas, Lula was optimistic, outgoing, and gregarious. Her holiday mailbox was flooded with cards and notes, her phone rang constantly, and her refrigerator door was full of photos of her family, her extended family, and friends.
Born in rural Glasgow, Kentucky, in 1927, Lula Althea Matthews grew up at the height of the depression in rural Kentucky, one of eight children. In the late 1930's her family crossed the country, settling in Venice, California, where her family found work in the state's growing defense industry. After attending Venice High School, she worked at Vons grocery store and later at Edgemar Dairy in Santa Monica. She met her husband, D.L. "Duck" Payne in 1945, when his ship, the USS Marshall, was docked and being repaired after major battles in the Pacific.
She began her married life in Damascus, Arkansas, her husband's hometown, where two of their children, Barbara Lynn and James Michael, were born. Shortly after their daughter's birth, D.L. lost his left arm in an auto accident, and their lives together became even more deeply intertwined. In 1951 Lula and her family moved back to Venice, where her children were raised and her daughter Kathy Louise was born.
In 1968, with their older two children grown, they relocated to La Palma, Calif., where Lula lived for 54 years. She was a neighborhood fixture and someone who loved to "visit". As a playground supervisor at Steve Luther Elementary School she forged close connections with many students that lasted into their adulthood.
She and her children visited Arkansas annually, maintaining deep connections with generations of Paynes; they eventually built a second home there, where their children and grandchildren spent summers riding tractors, bottle feeding calves, and playing in the local creeks.
Lula's husband of 55 years, D.L. Payne, passed away in 2001. She is survived by their three children, Barbara (Gary Aerni), Michael (Denise) and Kathy (Donald Brooks); eight grandchildren, Kristin (John Blais, Sr.), Shannon (William Mahoney III), Jasmine (David Willhoite), Alexis, Matthew, Tyson (Lynn), Connor, and Spencer (Becca); and seven great-grandchildren, Aislyn and Madison Mahoney, John Blais, Jr., Henry and Alexandra Willhoite, and Mackenzie and Theodore Busch.
Funeral services will be at 1:00pm, Thursday, June 2, 2022, at First Baptist Church in Damascus, Arkansas. Burial will follow at Spires Cemetery.
Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/greenbrier
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12 Condolence(s)
Wilda Johnson
Thursday, June 16, 2022
I will miss the annual visits with Lula and family. She was such a delightful person, always a smile and good word. God definitely gained an angel when she passed into heaven. Peace and love to all her family.
Lola Cvek
Friday, June 3, 2022
Oh my Lula, you were such a blessing to me & my family for oh so many years. Not only did I have the pleasure of growing up with you as our guardian Angel on the Luther playground from 1970-1976 but I was also very lucky to have had Payne as my boss at Northrop. I’m thankful to have continued our friendship throughout my adult life. You have always been there for me, through the passing of both my mom n dad , giving me advice when things were not so happy and just being there for not just me & Arne but my kids too. They loved you so much. I will Miss Our countless conversations. I will miss your weekly phone call to check in if you hadn’t heard from me first. I will miss your infectious smile and your big heart â¤ï¸ you truly loved each and every one of us that you watched over. I loved that you always counted on me to give you the low down of all the kids in the neighborhood and if I didn’t know you made sure to promise I’d find out and report back to you. My heart is so sad, but I know you’re no longer in pain & your continuing to watch over us all🌹
“143 Lula†until we meet again, RIP my sweet friendðŸ¤
Lisa Lucas
Thursday, June 2, 2022
I will miss her smile, positive outlook and encouraging words but mainly I will just miss her. She modeled the example of hard work, devotion to family and faith. She was a bright spot in alot of lives and that light will continue on in those of us who knew her.
Anne Seidel
Thursday, June 2, 2022
I was thinking of you today and felt you by my side. You kept us safe crossing the street, watched over us on the playground and remembered all of us, we’ll into adulthood. You were our angel on earth and now you’re our angel in heaven. Forever in my heart, Rest In Peace. â¤ï¸ðŸ™ðŸ¼â¤ï¸
Greg pettijohn
Thursday, June 2, 2022
My condolences to lulas family she definitely lived a full and vibrant lifeâ¤
Many memories of recess in elementary school✌
Gina
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
Lula I will forever miss you. You were like family. Loved how we use to spend lunch or dinner with us. The best times in LaPalma. ♥ï¸â™¥ï¸â™¥ï¸
Julie Angelos McKinnon
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
Oh.. Mrs.Payne.. later known to me as Lula. You were such a part of all your “kids†lives. From recess at Luther in the 70’s to visits recently. You have forever left your mark on us all. I hope the angels gave you a whistle upon arrival at the gates. Thank you for everything. 🥰
Debbie & Jeff Rakowitz
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our dear friend. We met Lu & Doug when we moved to LaPalma in 1984. We instantly became friends and they became part of our family. They were always at family gatherings and watched our children grow up. We loved her, and will always miss her.
John and Renee Lukacsa
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
We will miss you Lula forever. We visited you about 2 weeks before you went to Heaven. Didn’t realized that was the last time we said goodbye. Lula I will miss your smile and hugs. You were a wonderful lady kind and gracious. Rest In Peace you are in Heaven with the Angels. John and Renee
Dorene Comerford
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
Met her at Steve Luther School. Been friends ever since. Lula meant my daughter, Tina Platt while I was working for the Government in Virginia. Came back and was like there was no time space between us.
Shelly Hall Quattlebaum
Tuesday, May 31, 2022
I mourn the passing of Lula because I will miss her smile and her hugs and I also mourn her passing because she was the last living link to D.L and his brothers and sisters who were the offspring of Morris & Melvina Payne (Dad & Maud Payne). The brothers and sisters and their spouses are all passed away and are all buried in Spires Cemetery in Damascus except for one sister and her husband. They were such a fun bunch to be around, always laughing, telling jokes, and sharing their lives even though they lived in different cities and states. I miss them all.
Diane Pavatt
Tuesday, May 31, 2022
What a beautiful and gracious lady your mother was! I loved seeing her at church. She always asked about our family. Rest In Peace!