Photo courtesy of Smith, Bizzell & Warner Funeral Home
May 10, 1946 - Jan 17, 2026
Really going to miss you girl Sisters for Life until we meet again Love you always
Cassandra Webb
February 02, 2026 | Merrillville, IN | Sister
To the Family of Ben Homes and family my condolences.
Luther Cuttino & Family.
February 01, 2026 | Merrillville, IN | Friend
Lulu was such a joy to be around and I will truly miss that smile and laugh that we always shared
Rony Bryant
January 31, 2026 | Gary | Friend
My deepest condolences and prayers to the family. I am going to miss that smile.
Cynthia Evans
January 31, 2026 | Gary, IN | Friend
My condolences to the family. Luella was the lite of my day when we were together. Fun, happy, loving sweet person the life of the gatherings we shared together very spiritual person and just lite up the room where ever she would be with that beautiful Smile. Love you RIH
Pamela Sinclair
January 30, 2026 | Merrillville | Friend
My condolence goes out to the entire family. It's so hard to say goodbye, I am really going to miss your smile and grace.
Catherine Sinclair
January 30, 2026 | Gary, IN | Friend
To the family and friends of Luella you have my condolences, what a Sweetheart if you just knew her you liked her, what a legacy. R.I.P Lue.
Ken Cross
January 30, 2026 | Gary, IN | Friend
My Deepest Condolences to Louella Family and Friends RIPP QUEEN
Love Your LIL TEE
Talenceia Davis
January 30, 2026 | East Chicago, IN | Friend
Sending my deepest condolences to the family Luella always had a great spirit about herself and she lit up every room. One thing Luella was going to do was dance.. I’m going to miss her dearly.
ChocolateChip
January 30, 2026 | Gary, IN | Friend
Luella Thomas, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, passed away on January 17, 2026, at the age of 79. Born on May 10, 1946, Luella spent most of her life in Gary, Indiana and travelled avidly. She built a legacy of love, faith, and joy that will live on through generations. Luella was a woman of vibrant spirit and infectious fun. She had a natural ability to light up any room and make people feel welcomed and adored. She was known for her glamour and grace—especially her beautiful Sunday hats— a sign of her signature style and a reflection of her joyful confidence.
Her devotion to her family and community never wavered. A faithful member of Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, Luella lived her life rooted in faith. She was very active in her church community and volunteered to do anything she could to bring more people to know Jesus. She dedicated more than 30 years of service to the United States Postal Service, where she was known as hardworking, dependable, and kind.
Luella was preceded in death by her loving husband, James Thomas; her sons, Samuel L. Caldwell Sr. (Stephanie) and Karl A. Carter (Letitia). She is survived by her children, Joseph L. Williams and Oliver Milton; her grandchildren, Ollie R. Price, Samuel L. Caldwell Jr., Johnathon I. Carter, Stephanie L. Boles (Travonte), Shekeyla N. Sandore (William), and Samuel J. Williams; her siblings, Jerome O’Neal (Sharon) and Benjamin F. Holmes Jr. (Christina); and a host of adored great-grandchildren.
Her life was a blessing. Her memory is a treasure. She is loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.
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