Lula Worthan

Lula Worthan, born on November 11, 1939, in Stevenson, Alabama, passed away peacefully at her home on December 20, 2025, surrounded by love. Lula was a woman of quiet strength, deep faith, and unwavering love for her family. She carried herself with grace and resilience, meeting life with courage and dignity. Her presence brought comfort, and her love was steady, sincere, and unconditional.
Born and raised in Stevenson, Alabama, Lula moved with the Cothron family to New Jersey in the 1950s, where she continued to grow and build her life. She later relocated from New Jersey to Syracuse, New York, in 2009, where she remained surrounded by family and loved ones. Lula was united in marriage to Munson Worthan, who preceded her in death. Together they built a family rooted in love, care, and strong values.
She was well known for her giving spirit and her love for baking and feeding others. Lula expressed love through her kitchen through warm meals sweet treats and the joy of making sure everyone was cared for. Feeding people was her language of love and a reflection of her nurturing heart. Lula carried this same heart of service into her professional life. She worked as a dietary aide at Greenville Hospital, where she faithfully served before retiring in 2009. Her work mirrored who she was someone who found purpose in caring for others. Faith was central to Lula's life. She was a devoted member of St. John Baptist Church, where she served faithfully as a member of the Nursing Guild, offering care compassion and service to others. Psalm 91, her favorite scripture, reflected the trust she carried in her heart:
"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."
Lula was preceded in death by her parents, Sally and Lawrence Cothron; her husband, Munson Worthan; her siblings, Murphy Cothron and Flora Campbell; and her children. Cheryl Lanier and Michael Worthan.
She is survived by her sibling, Jackie Cothron; her children, Kim Worthan, Thomas Worthan (Rachel Worthan), and Kevin Worthan (Tameka Worthan); and her grandchildren, Elisha Worthan and Lashona Thompson (Victor Thompson), whom she lovingly took in and raised as her own daughters. She is also survived by a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with many extended family members and friends whose lives she touched. She is also remembered with love by David Lanier, spouse of her late daughter Cheryl.
Lula took great pride in her family and the generations she helped nurture. Her legacy lives on through the lives she touched, the lessons she taught, and the love she shared so freely. Though she is no longer physically present her spirit remains in memories shared prayers spoken and hearts forever changed. Lula Worthan will be deeply missed forever loved and always remembered.
Calling hours will be on Monday, December 29th, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Bellegrove Missionary Baptist Church. Funeral services will immediately follow at 11 a.m. Lula will be laid to rest in Onondaga Valley Cemetery. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lula, please visit our floral store.