Mrs.LULA BELL was born on July 7, 1925, in Waterloo, South Carolina to the late Rufus and Mamie Anderson, her parents knew there was something special about her. As the youngest of nine and the only daughter, Lula Bell learned at an early age the importance of family from her parents and her brothers.

Lula Bell affectionately known by all as "Nanny" was educated in the Laurens County School System.

She later met and married the late J.B. Dendy on September 21, 1943, in Cross Hill, South Carolina. Together, the pair became the proud parents of four children. In 1950, Nanny and J.B. relocated to Philadelphia, PA. Nanny worked at Lankenau Hospital for many years.

In 1982, after twenty-four years of service with the Philadelphia Naval Exchange, Nanny retired on March 1st.

As can plainly be seen from Nanny's outstanding work record, she was not only a hard worker but possessed both commitment and dedication, of which continued to be displayed through her work in Church.

Nanny dedicated her life to Christ at an early age beginning with her membership at the Laurel Hill Baptist Church in Waterloo, South Carolina. After settling in Philadelphia, Nanny later joined Triumph Baptist Church under the ministry of Pastor James S. Hall, Jr., where she served as a member of the Senior Usher Board. Feeling the need to do more, she used her sewing know-how and volunteered to help make the children's choir robes.

Nanny loved spending time with family especially on Sundays with her infamous family dinners that became a tradition after Sunday Service. She also loved grocery shopping, sewing, and cooking, where she perfected her legendary pound cake for all to enjoy. Nanny had a welcoming open- door philosophy in which her home on17th Street was a open door to everyone. Nanny's house was a place for anyone to lay their head and receive a home cooked meal, and join her in watching "The Price Is Right" and "The Young and The Restless."

She leaves to forever love and cherish her memory: four children, Mary "Lil" (Kenneth), Rufus Sr. "Brother" (Elma), Patricia "Trish", and Lisa (Darrell); seven grandchildren, Rufus Jr., Daryl, Robert (Jean), Ryan (Quinteria), Justin (Nakisha), Michael (Nikita) and Michelle; sixteen great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; a devoted niece, Iliki; and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Lula Bell Anderson Dendy, will be held 2 p.m., Saturday, September 2, 2023 at the Smyrna AME Church in Waterloo, S.C., with Reverend Ray Pilgrim officiating and Reverend Sylvester Grant, presiding. Burial will follow in the Smyrna AME Church Cemetery, Waterloo, South Carolina. The local family will be at the home of her niece, Ms. Victoria Anderson of Smyrna Hill Road, Waterloo, S.C.

Public viewing will be held on Friday from 3-6pm at Beasley Funeral Home, Laurens.

Beasley Funeral Home, Laurens is in charge of the arrangements.