Marie Dula

Marie Vines Dula, age 78 of Lenoir went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at Caldwell County Hospice and Palliative Care, Hudson, NC. Born September 5, 1938 in Caldwell County, Marie was a daughter of the late Tommie James and Verna McRary Vines. During her high school years at Kings Creek, she was named the All County, All Conference and MVP of the girls basketball team winning the County Championship. The highlight of Marie’s career was scoring 58 points in a single game. After marrying Russell Dula at the age of 16, Marie devoted her life to him, her family and her church. She took great pleasure in being a homemaker after a short career as a beautician. As a Christian, The Lord used Marie to be a blessing by allowing her to use her kitchen to minister to various preachers, missionaries, the sick, the bereaved and to her three children, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren by preparing meals, snacks and care packages. Marie served faithfully as either pianist or organist for over 50 years beginning her service at Calvary Baptist Church, Lenoir, NC. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her sister, Mattie Lee Wheat. Marie is survived by her husband of 62 years, Russell Dula; daughter, Cheryl Harris and husband, Keith; sons, Myron Dula and wife, Robin; Reverend Brent Dula and wife, Sandra; sisters, Winnifred “Winnie” Walsh; Jean McGuire; grandchildren, Justin Harris and wife, Courtney; David Dula; Adam Dula and wife, Haley; Elizabeth Dula; Caroline Dula and Landon Dula; great-grandchildren, Hattie Lynn Harris; Holden Harris and Harrison Dula; and numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of Marie’s life will be held at Hibriten Baptist Church on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at 11:00 AM with Reverend Brent Dula and Pastor Doug Cox officiating. Interment will be at Union Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Justin Harris, David Dula, Adam Dula, Landon Dula, Greg Drum, Eddie Cheek and Ryan Allen. Honorary pallbearers will be Tommie McGuire, Jerry McGuire, Horace Walsh and Reggie Drum. The family will receive friends in the Chapel of Evans Funeral Service on Friday, July 14, 2017 from 4:00 until 7:00 PM. The family respectfully requests that memorials be sent to Caldwell Hospice, 902 Kirkwood Street, Lenoir, NC 28645 or Gideon’s International for the purchase of King James Bibles, P.O. Box 169, Lenoir, NC 28645.