Lula Belle Douglas (Lou) passed away July 8, 2021, at St Clare Hospital in Fenton, MO after a brief illness.

Lou is survived by several nieces, Imogene (Lester) Jones of Nashville, IL; Betty (John) Froidl of Fenton, MO; Linda (Joe) Stewart of Sarasota, FL; Rhonda Sanders of Nixa, MO; Two nephews, Wildon Jernigan (Mimi) of Arnold, MO; Ronnie (Linda) Ellis, of East Prairie, MO.  Numerous grand and great grand nieces and nephews, her church family and friends in her community.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Oma Douglas, four siblings, Rose LaMear, Stella Jernigan, Juanita Daddona, Mildred and Finley Douglas, and Nina Ellis. Three nieces, Margie Mueller, Kathy Ellis Ditto and Evelyn Morris.

Lou, as she was known to her friends and family (also known as Ardie to a few nieces and nephew), was a faithful servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. She was always ready to help someone in need. She was at church "every time the doors were open" worshipping, helping prepare meals, and cleaning up afterwards. She assisted the people/friends in her community by baking, cooking and taking them to the doctor if they needed. She was known as the best at making homemade turtles and divinity. Every Christmas she made candy and sent it to out of state relatives and friends. She was known at her church as "Sister Lou."

Lou was a bookkeeper with Prairie Manufacturing Company in East Prairie until they closed their doors. She has worked as a cashier at Walmart since 1992 and was a dedicated, loyal employee, offering to take shifts for others if need be. She was never one to call in sick and instilled a positive work ethic in her nieces and nephews. Lou worked until the day she got sick. She graduated East Prairie High School in 1955 as Valedictorian. Instead of pursuing a college education, she stayed behind to care for her parents and lived with them until their passing.

Lou lived her life for Jesus and lived it to the fullest. She kept herself busy doing for others and running here and there with her friends Carolyn Johnston, Gail Redman, Karen Coffer, Helen Kersey and many others. She prayed every Saturday with her Riverside friends.

Visitation will be held, Monday, July 12, 2021, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., and funeral service Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at the Full Gospel Church in East Prairie, under the direction of Shelby Funeral Home. Pastors Eric McGruder and Mike Johnson of Full Gospel Church will officiate.

Interment will immediately follow in Dogwood Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be her neighbor Mike Ray, nephews Ronnie Ellis and Wildon Jernigan, Raymond Ellis, Her great Grand Nephew Bradley Haney and Ron Smotherman.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, to give donations to Full Gospel Church of East Prairie or St. Jude Children's Hospital in her name.

6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all of them also that love his appearing. Timothy 4:6-8