Lela Belle Pardue "Lulu" Wilson

Lela Belle "Lulu" Pardue Wilson

VIVIAN, LA - Lela Belle "Lulu" Pardue Wilson of Vivian passed away April 21, 2009. She was born November 1, 1919 in Shreveport, La. to parents Samuel Madison and Lela Bell Cox Pankey. Carl S. and Tallie Elizabeth Amick lovingly raised her.

She graduated from Vivian High School with the Class of 1936. Also in 1936, Lela Belle was chosen as Miss Vivian and she then competed in the Miss Louisiana Pageant, and was selected first runner-up. Lela Belle married Dr. Cleveland H. Pardue, Jr., with whom she had five children. She assisted with his medical practice and during World War II, she helped in the medical practice of her father-in-law, Dr. Cleveland H. Pardue, Sr.

Lela Belle spent much of her life in Vivian, La., where she was an active member of the community. She served in the Caddo Homemakers, was very active with the North Caddo High Band Parents Club and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Vivian and later Vivian Presbyterian Church. She loved to meet with other members of the "Birthday Club" to celebrate on a regular basis. In her later years, she was a favorite at Garden Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, where she was voted Resident of the Month.

Lulu was the life of the party everywhere she went. She was also a devoted, caring person who never forgot a family member's birthday. She made a lasting impression on everyone she met, and brought energy and sparkle into the lives of those around her. She loved to stay on the go, and could never sit still for very long. Some of her favorite things included family, shocking pink, fried chicken, good books, history, crocheting, shopping, playing cards, and cooking.

Her parents and her siblings Vada Baskins, Hayes Pankey, Velma Townsend, Daisye Garland, Jack Pankey, and Mary Smythe precede her in death. Her children include: Peggy Pardue Wagner and husband John Wagner II of Arlington, TX; Dr. Cleve Pardue III and wife Diana Pardue of Santa Fe, NM; Dr. Tim Pardue and wife Dr. Marianna Pardue of Little Rock, AR; Priscilla Pardue Briggs and late husband, James W. Briggs, Sr. of Vivian, LA; and Candace Pardue of Pearland, TX.

She was also the proud "Grandma Lulu" of 9 grandchildren including: Dr. Bart Wagner of Shreveport, LA; Pete Wagner of Plano, TX; Tallie Pardue Tolen of Santa Fe, NM; Taylor Pardue of Albuquerque, NM; Nettie Pardue Pflueger of Richmond, CA; Tom Pardue of Cabot, AR; Jamey Briggs, of Shreveport, LA; Dr. Amy Briggs Cox of Gueydan, LA; and Alison Briggs Barnwell of Benton, LA. She was also the "The Great One" to 5 great-granddaughters and 3 great-grandsons.

The family extends their sincere appreciation to friends and the staffs of Garden Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Grace Home Hospice for their love and care.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, April 25, at the Vivian Presbyterian Church. Memorials should be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Society, Vivian Presbyterian Church, Shreve Memorial Library, North Caddo Branch or the organization of your choice.

Please leave your words of encouragement for the family on the on-line memorial at www.auldsfuneral.com Aulds Funeral Home

(318)797-8124