Lula B. Slayton was born on January 28, 1937, in Fitzhugh, Arkansas, to Odell and Irene Edwards. From the very beginning, she was marked by grace and strength.
At the tender age of nine, Lula experienced a profound loss when her mother passed away while working in Medina, Ohio, as the children were home on summer vacation. With both grandparents already deceased, Lula and her siblings were lovingly taken in by their Aunt Nettie Bridges, who nurtured, guided, and supported them through their formative years. As the oldest daughter, Lula naturally stepped into a nurturing role, helping care for her younger siblings while also sharing wisdom and leadership with her oldest brother.
Lula accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at a very young age at Augusta Baptist Church in Augusta, Arkansas. Her faith became the foundation of her life and the cornerstone upon which she built her family, her service, and her legacy. She later graduated from Carver High School in Augusta, Arkansas, where she developed a love for basketball and continued to grow into the poised and confident woman so many came to admire.
Following graduation, Lula spent time working with and nurturing the Burton family, where Elaine Burton took a special interest in her. Elaine helped instill cultural etiquette, discipline, and life skills that further shaped Lula’s confidence and poise—traits that stayed with her throughout her life. Lula had a deep and abiding love for music, especially gospel music, which ultimately led her to meet the love of her life, Harvey E. Slayton. The two were united in holy matrimony on April 21, 1957. After their marriage, Lula and Harvey relocated to Little Rock, Arkansas, where Lula worked as a waitress while her husband completed barber school. In 1966, they moved to Blacksville, Arkansas, and eventually settled permanently in Medina, Ohio. There, Lula worked various jobs before beginning a long and dedicated career at General Motors, where she faithfully served for 18 years.
Throughout her life, Lula was deeply committed to the church. She devoted 37 years of service as a First Lady within the AME Northeast Ohio Annual Conference, Third District. She also served faithfully for over 20 years in the Women’s Missionary Society, whose mission was to support the work of the church and its ministers. Lula additionally dedicated her time to the Young People’s Department, always pouring wisdom, guidance, and love into the next generation.
A woman of strength. Lula gave birth to seven beautiful children, each holding equal and cherished space in her heart. She was a devoted mother who took great pride in teaching her family how to overcome hardship, strive for excellence, and appreciate life’s most intimate and meaningful moments. She was firm yet loving, always offering sound spiritual guidance and protecting her children with her whole heart.
Lula established lasting family traditions that will be remembered for generations. She cherished dressing her family for the holidays, hosting family Bible studies, and gathering everyone together on Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. to watch Disney. She had a love for dance, music, and family entertainment, and to her, there were no strangers, only family she had not yet met. Politically passionate and unafraid to let her voice be heard, Lula stood firmly in her convictions while always leading with love.
Though she was the mother of seven, Lula was truly a mother to everyone she encountered. She was known for always having the right words at the right time, for never repeating a secret, and for being a trusted vault to all who knew her. Her love for Christ was evident in her daily walk, and she was an active and devoted grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She will forever be remembered for her beautiful smile, sweet spirit, and unwavering faith.
Lula B. Slayton was preceded in death by beloved husband, Rev. Harvey E. Slayton; son, Sterling Bridges; parents, Odell and Irene Edwards; sister, Ethel B. Neal (Alvin); brothers, Cornell Edwards, Robert Roddy (Ardenia), and Theopolis Edwards; and grandsons, J’Suan Slayton and Steven Wright.
She leaves to honor her beloved children, Patricia Carson of Columbus, Ohio; Velma Slayton of Akron, Ohio; Harvey Jr. (Gia) Slayton; Willie (Tasha) Slayton of Texas; Latana (Levie) Slayton-Golden of Akron, Ohio; and Terrance (Pamela) Slayton of Akron, Ohio. She also leaves a cherished legacy of grandchildren, Patrice (Mayceo) Smith, Cory Slayton, Jason Hunt, Ashley Ford, Chezarze Slayton, Shanica Scott, David Slayton, Dalena Slayton, Sharita Slayton, Julian Washington, Tashyun Jackson, Tyreka Pruitt, Ayanna Ray, Katelin Truss, Tiana Slayton; and a host of great-grandchildren and sisters-in-law, Marianne and Virginia Edwards; special loved ones Monica Starks, Tina Gillespie, and Bryon Dickerson; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, and church families.
Lula B. Slayton’s life was a living testimony of faith, service, and love. Her legacy will continue through all who were blessed to know her, love her, and walk alongside her.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, from 11:00 am until 12:00 noon at City of Joy Enrichment Center, 610 W. Exchange St.
Akron, Oh 44302. Funeral service will immediately follow. Interment Rose Hill Burial Park on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 11:30 am.