Lula Mae Handley

Lula Handley, a beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2026, in Nederland, Texas, at the age of 96. She was born on April 25, 1930, in Trinity, Texas.

Lula's memory will be forever cherished by her loving family. She is survived by her sons, Alex Handley and his wife Grace of Tomball, Texas and Jimmy Handley and his wife Melinda of Nederland, Texas, and her daughter, Mary Handley Gunter of Nederland, Texas. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, who brought immense joy to her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Gertrude Boswell; her beloved husband of 56 years, A.C. Handley Jr.; and her four siblings, Alfred Boswell, G.W. Boswell, Clarence Boswell, and Dorothy Thurston.

Lula was a woman who lived through some of life’s greatest challenges and somehow came through them with an even greater appreciation for life.

A woman of deep and unwavering faith, she was a faithful member of First Methodist Church of Nederland and treasured her relationship with God and her church family. She never feared death. She knew there was an afterlife, and she knew exactly where she was going. That faith gave her peace, but it never kept her from embracing every moment she had here on earth. She loved life and she lived it fully.

Her stories of growing up during the Great Depression were some of her greatest treasures. She could tell you about jumping train cars, hunting in the woods for food, and the experiences that shaped the remarkable woman she became. Her stories brought history to life and gave her family a glimpse into a world they could only imagine.

She was always the light of the party. She loved to laugh, loved to dance, and had a way of making those around her feel happy simply by being there. Her favorite dance partner was her husband, and for 56 years, they shared a love of dancing that became one of the beautiful threads woven through their life together. They danced often, celebrated often, and created a lifetime of memories together.

Family was at the heart of everything she did. She adored her children and grandchildren and treasured every moment spent with them. She leaves behind not only the memories of a life well lived, but the stories, laughter, wisdom, and love that will continue to live on through the generations.

For 30 years, she was a talented and respected hairdresser, a profession that allowed her creativity and gift for connecting with people to shine. While she styled hair, she also built lasting friendships with the people who sat in her chair, many of whom became lifelong friends. She was respected by many in her profession, and the relationships she formed throughout those years were a meaningful part of her life.

Her greatest hobby was painting, and she was a truly accomplished artist. What began as a later in life hobby blossomed into a remarkable talent and beautiful form of self-expression. Through her paintings, she left pieces of herself behind and works of art that will forever be cherished by her family and friends. Each painting is now more than a beautiful piece of artwork; it is a lasting reminder of the woman who created it.

She loved to travel, play cards, loved sharing stories of her adventures, and never seemed to lose her sense of wonder about the world around her. She embraced life with curiosity, courage, humor, and joy.

She was a woman who knew where she came from, knew what she believed, and knew where she was going. She faced life with strength, met challenges with determination, and filled her years with faith, family, friendship, laughter, art, dancing, and adventure.

Lula lived a long and extraordinary life, and she lived it to the fullest.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but her stories will continue to be told, her artwork will continue to be treasured, and her love will continue to live in the hearts of her family and friends.

Her dance may have ended here, but we know she has simply found a new and better place to dance.

A gathering of family and friends will be September 19, 2026 from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. with a Service beginning at 11:00 A.M. at Melancon Levingston Funeral Home, 1605 Avenue H, Nederland, Texas. A graveside service will follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park.