Lula Carter

Lula Mae Outlaw Carter (Lula), 78, returned to her heavenly home on Monday, November 27, 2017 after a valiant battle with cancer. Her devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her in her struggle and ultimately gave her peace.

Lula was born to the late Rev. John Herald Outlaw and Ola Sargent Outlaw, a Baptist pastor/farmer and a homemaker respectively, in Dutton, Alabama on July 6, 1939. Her paternal grandparents were Joseph Outlaw and Callie Caskey Outlaw. Her maternal grandparents were Charlie Sargent and Lula Hicks Sargent. She was immersed in the Christian community that would be her lifelong support from an early age. She graduated from Section High School in 1958. She had an aptitude in mathematics during her high school years.

During her time in school she and her sisters often sang gospel music at churches and on WCRI radio on Saturdays. They were known as the Outlaw Sisters. In her adult life she loved to ride horses and competed in horse shows where she was awarded several ribbons. She studied cooking. She particularly enjoyed baking and took many classes in cake baking and decorating. It was an honor to receive one of her amazing chocolate cakes. Lula was an avid reader and her interest in reading material was eclectic. She kept up with current events and could discuss them with an open mind.

Lula married Herman Carter September 2, 1972 and moved to Morris, Alabama where they built a home, raised their children, and started a successful business. Lula was the secretary and bookkeeper for the business until her husband passed away. She was a devoted mother to her children and a loyal friend to everyone who knew her. Her door was open to her neighbors and she was always there for them if they needed help. She was a member of the Glennwood Baptist Church in Morris, Alabama. She will be dearly missed by her loved ones, who celebrate the fact that she is at peace with her creator.

Lula is survived by her daughter Tina Bolden (Michael) and son Herman Carter, also known as Sonny; her grandson Matthew Hamilton (Les); three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; her sisters Louise Townson, Jimmie Faye Shrader, Janice Hendrix (J.R.), Gaynell Morelock, and brothers John Outlaw (Ginny) and Emory Outlaw (Alma); seven nieces and two nephews; four sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law. She is preceded in death by her husband Herman Carter; brothers-in-law Therman Carter, Billy Townson, Rodney Morelock, Jesse Shrader and Grady Carter; her parents.

Funeral services and burial will be held at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens located at 1591 Gadsden Highway Birmingham, Alabama. Visitation will be at 11:00 a.m. and service will be at 12:00 p.m. on November 30, 2017, Reverend Tim Thompson will officiate the service.