Lula Reynolds Sturges Cheatham, 90, of Statesville, N.C., passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at the Gordon Hospice House.
She was born on July 1, 1933, in Henderson, N.C., to the late Col. Conrad Boyd Sturges and Louise Allen Sturges. In addition to her parents, Lula was preceded in death by her beloved husband William Thomas “Buck” Cheatham Jr., her daughter Louise Cheatham Cooper, and her brother, Conrad Boyd “Buzzy” Sturges Jr.
Lula is survived by her children, William Thomas “Tommy” Cheatham V, Dolores Holt Cheatham and Margaret Cheatham Johnson (Tink). Her grandchildren are Marianne Rogowski Yeckley (James), Walter William Rogowski (Erika), Catherine Reynolds Cheatham-White (Buddy), Brittany-Anne Terrell Cooper, Mary Cooper Chandler (Jamie), Michael Thomas “Tommy” Cooper (Tracy), Tink Aston Johnson IV and Ellison Capers Johnson. Her great-grandchildren are Rue-Anne Cooper, Isabella, Elias, and Julianna Rogowski, Jaspree White and Madison Bromley. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Harriette Horsey Sturges; nephews, Conrad Boyd Sturges (Cindy) and Richard Horsey Sturges (Heidi); and first-cousin Lou Reynolds Cansler (Richard).
Lula graduated from St. Mary’s School in Raleigh. In December of 1951, she married Buck Cheatham in the chapel at St. Mary’s and lived in Burlington until moving to Statesville in 1956.
Lula spent her life in the service of the Lord and others. She was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Statesville and served as a dedicated member of the Altar Guild and was active in all areas of Parish life. In the community, she was a devoted volunteer with the American Red Cross, Meals on Wheels, and served as Chairman of the Board for The Cup of Water. She had a lifelong love of history and was a member of The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America. Lula loved traveling, opera, the theater, classical music, and movies. She had a great love for all her dogs throughout her life, especially her Corgis.
The funeral service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church in Statesville, 801 Henkel Road, Statesville, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2024. The family will receive visitors at the Church from 10 to 11 a.m. A family graveside service will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Gordon Hospice House, 2341 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625. Lula’s family wishes to express our deepest gratitude to everyone at the Gordon Hospice House. Thank you for caring so deeply for us and our mother.
Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences can be made to her family at www.troutmanfuneralhome.com.