Lula V. "Lu" Shell

SHELL, Lula V. "Lu" Lula Veretta "Lu" Shell, 72, of Broad Street, Middletown, wife of the late Garland T. Shell, Jr. died Wednesday, (March 15, 2006) at Middlesex Hospital. She was born in Caroline County, VA on March 12, 1934, the daughter of the late Jordan Smith Sr. and Julia (Morris) Smith. She was a devoted Jehovah's Witness and baptized in 1968 at the international Convention held at Yankee Stadium in NY. Her life course took her to many locations and represented Kingdom Hall Congregations at each location actively publishing as a loyal witness to her God, Jehovah and his Son, Christ Jesus, aiding several persons to baptism and dedication of their life just as she had. These various locations truly benefited from her friendship from Bridgeport to Richmond, VA to Marietta, GA to Arlington, GA in the Blakely Congregation. She fulfilled her goal for many years working as a LPN, retiring from Park City Hospital Bridgeport, the Richmond Memorial Hospital and later working at Cobb County Hospital Marietta, GA. She was a devoted mother…always nursing and nourishing. Lula was a friend to everyone she met and always greeted everyone with a compassionate hug and warm smile. She fought a long, courageous battle with cancer. She will be deeply missed. Lula is survived by three sons, Garland T. Shell, III and his wife Stephanie of Middletown, John O. Shell and his wife Kearnie of Richmond, VA, Bruce E. Shell and his wife April of Salem, VA; five brothers, John A. Smith, Jr. of Palm Bay, FL, Lewis Smith of Ashland, VA, Jeremiah Smith and his wife Dindi of Richmond, VA, Clarence Smith and his wife Essie of Arlington, GA, Jordan Smith, Jr. of MD; two sisters, Nellie Harris and her husband Emanuel of Richmond, VA, Bertha Thompson, and her husband James of Ruthen Glen, VA; four grandchildren, Lamar Shell of Hamden, Stephawna Shell of Middletown, April and Eric Shell of Salem, VA; two step-grandchildren, Jamari and Corey Lewis of Richmond, VA; 30 nephews and nieces and a host of relatives and friends. Besides her husband, she was predeceased by her son Rhawn Shell. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Middlesex Hospital's Hospice ward, Haven Healthcare and her Oncologist, Dr. Robert Levy for their help, compassion and care. A funeral service will be held at Doolittle Funeral Home, 14 Old Church St., Middletown, on Sunday, March 19 at 6 p.m. Friends may call at the funeral home one hour before from 5 - 6 p.m. In lieu of flower, donations may be made to the Weiss Hospice, Unit, c/o Dept. of Philanthropy, 55 Crescent St., Middletown, CT 06457. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at the website of www.doolittlefuneralservice.com