Lula Mae Rhodes Soward

GARNER – Lula Mae Rhodes Soward, “Lou” as her friends called her, 93, went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on April 14, 2017 after a long and faithful life. The daughter of Louisa “Lula” Ferrell Rhodes and Joseph Edwards Rhodes of SE Wake County, Lula Mae grew up on a farm in rural wake county and was a 1942 graduate of Garner High School. She met her husband during WWII at the Oak Ridge TN, Nuclear Facilities where they both worked. Lou lived in TN until her first son was born. On her return to Raleigh, she started work with Westinghouse Corporation when it opened its doors in Raleigh and was there until her retirement in 1988. In her free time she was a skilled seamstress, loved to cook, was a Ruritanette and avid member of the Garner Senior Center, loved her church, family and friends. She was proceeded in death by her devoted husband, friend and companion of 46 years, Royal D. Soward, Sr of Rt 3, Old Stage Rd, Raleigh, NC. Lou is survived by 3 sons: Royal D. Soward, Jr (Sharon) of Raleigh; George E. Soward (Marcia) of Cary; Granger D. Soward (Diane) of Wilmington, NC; eight grandchildren: Jana Soward Kellam (Chris) of Willow Springs, Preston Soward (April) of Cary, Morgan Soward of Benson, Dexter Soward (Kathy) of Wilmington, Chad Soward (Elizabeth) of Wilmington, Ryan Rodgers (Jenny) of Cary, Jason Rodgers (Heather) of Cary and Stephanie Teta (Anthony) of Richmond; and 15 wonderful great grand children. Lou was also preceded in death by her mom and dad, 6 brothers and 4 sisters in addition to many very special uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 12:30-1:45 at Plymouth Church at 6104 Rock Service Station Road, Raleigh, NC. A Celebration of Lou’s Life will be held at 2 pm at Plymouth Church. Burial will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park, Raleigh . In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Plymouth Church Building Fund where Lou was a faithful member for over 60 years. The family would like to express thanks to friends and family who visited and spoke words of encouragement during the past few years as her struggle with growing older became more difficult. God’s love and presence was felt continuously. We love you Mom and will miss you. You truly had a servant’s heart and gave us a wonderful example to follow. Well done, thou good and faithful servant.