Lula Jeanette Whitley Marlowe

ROCKY MOUNT – Lula Jeanette Whitley Marlowe, age 88, passed away on Sunday, April 16, 2023. Born in Wilson County, NC on April 26, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Douglas Dennis Whitley and Rosa Pearl Proctor Whitley. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Julian Rand Marlowe, Sr.; her brothers, Edwin McCray Whitley, William Douglas Whitley, Donald Lee Whitley, and Wilbur Kirby Whitley; her sisters, Mildred Elizabeth Whitley Batts, Elsie May Whitley Ritter, Sally Ruth Whitley Williford, and Nina Pearle Whitley Walston; her son-in-law, Horace Lee Joyner; and her grandson, James Dennis Marlowe, Jr. Lula touched the lives of so many people and will always be remembered with love and kindness. She was energetic, feisty, and there was never a dull moment when she was in the room. Affectionately known as “Ma”, “Mammy”, “Me Ma”, and “Gummy Bear”, she cherished her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, Lula was a dear friend to many and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Lula is survived by her sons, Julian Rand Marlow, Jr. and wife, Carolyn, and James Dennis Marlowe and wife, Lynette; her daughter, Barbara Marlowe Joyner; her grandchildren, Jeremy Joyner and wife, Samantha, Katrina Henry and husband, James, Julian R. Marlowe, III, Sharon Marlowe, and Blake Marlowe and wife, Laura; her great-grandchildren, Wiley Joyner, Willa Joyner, and Dylan Marlowe; and numerous nieces and nephews. A Special Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Thursday, April 20, 2023, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.