Mrs. Lula V. Rice-Robinson, pased away Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at Brentwood Healthcare Center, Burbank, IlL.

Lula Veatrice Anderson Rice Robinson was born on November 7th 1925, in Memphis, Tennessee, the second of five children born to Hattie Flennoy Anderson and Henry Lucius Anderson. She departed this life on April 16, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois after a long illness. After attending Manassas High School, Lula married Tommie Lee Rice before moving to Chicago, Illinois.

To that union was born three sons, John Franklin Rice, Richard Rice and Tommie Lee Rice. A number of years passed before Lula became a wife a second time to James Robinson.

Lula was a liberated Black woman long before the Women's Liberation Movement, standing her ground decisively and paving her own path. With great diligence and determination, Lula aptly cared for her family as the traditional housewife while working for R.R. Dunley Book Bindery by day and attending Dunbar Vocational School in Chicago, Illinois by night.

As a part time student she persisted four years to accomplish her goal and became a licensed Cosmetologist. During that four year period as a student, Lula was called upon to teach the class in her teacher's absence. Lula Robinson was a student and educator.

An independent – liberated woman, Lula wisely worked for others, saving her money and later purchased her own Beauty Shop, where she employed others. Living the American dream, Lula V. Robinson owned a car, a business and a home. Indeed, she was an entrepreneur by anyone's standard. She was outstandingly successful in her career and continued to perfect her skills, maintaining her clientele for decades. After a long tenure, failing health demanded that Lula permanently retire.

Yes, Lula spent a lifetime in a career that she loved. Because Lula had such a warm and giving heart, this career aided her in providing assistance to loved ones. Her home was a refuge for many and her generous heart filled the needs of others down to the end.

Even with a lucrative career in motion and selflessly caring for others, Lula made time for her passion for dancing. She was a student of dance, receiving lessons from Washington Park Club where she was later accompanied by her late husband, James Robinson.

The couple danced to music played by legendary musicians Duke Ellington and Count Basie. Lula Robinson lived a full and meaningful life. Dare we say that she had few regrets?

An active member of Monumental Baptist Church for about seventy years where she served as a deaconess, Lula V. Robinson was preceded in death by her parents, three siblings, Camilla Anderson, Henry L. Anderson, Jr. and Mary E. Blue, a granddaughter, Maria Veatrice Rice, and a grandson, Emmanuel.

She leaves to cherish her memory three loving sons, John F. Rice who cared for her tirelessly and lovingly in her later years, Richard Rice who loved his mother dearly - always generously insisting on funding trips to his home in California and visiting her in Chicago, especially on Mother's Day, and Tommie Lee Rice who lived with his mother all of his life. He was ever present, tending to her needs, taking care of her during the declining years, a willing driver for errands and church.

She also leaves her dear sister, Blanche Ward, seven grandchildren, thirty great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and a host of other relatives and friends. She will be sorely missed.

All Services for Mrs. Lula V. Rice-Robinson, will be held on Friday, April 26, 2013 at Monumental Baptist Church-729 E. Oakwood Blvd-Chicago, IL. Family Pre-Pass starts at 9:00 a.m.

Visitation and Viewing: 10:00a.m.
Funeral Services: 11:00a.m.

Interment will follow immediately after services at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Chicago, IL.