Lula M. Teague

Lula Mae (Chaney) Teague was born January 17, 1925, to William Thomas Chaney and Lula (Cade) Chaney. She passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025, at the age of 100.

On November 4, 1941, she married the love of her life, L.Z. Teague, with whom she shared many years of devotion and family.

Lula Mae was known to those closest to her as Mom, Mamaw and Baby. She had a zest for life and a deep passion for serving others. She valued family time above all things and was a strong, witty and giving mother who was known for her loving heart and warm welcome. Lula made delicious homemade meals and was always ready to share a cup of coffee and a slice of apple pie with anyone who stopped by. Lula loved fiercely and worked tirelessly to raise her six children. She later continued that same devotion by helping care for and cook for many of her grandchildren throughout the years.

She was preceded in death by her parents; four siblings; husband, LZ Teague; daughter, Evelyn Sue (Teague) Work; son, Larry Elzie Teague; as well as a grandson and great-grandson.

Lula Mae is survived by her daughter, Gloria Janssen; son, Gerald Teague and wife JoAnn who was like a daughter to her; son, Rockey Teague and wife Kelly; and daughter, Roxanne Williams and husband Carl. She was the proud grandmother of 12 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

She will be remembered always for her love, faith and the legacy of family she built.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the three ladies, Joan, Delores & Delina, who loved and provided wonderful care for Lula, always treating her like she was their own family. Special thanks also to the staff at Live Oak Nursing Facility with special appreciation to the nurses and CNA’s on the 500 hall.

The family will honor the life of their beloved Mom/Mamaw with a private graveside service.

A Loving Tribute from her Granddaughter

Our precious Mamaw is no longer in pain and has gone peacefully to her Heavenly home. In her remarkable 100 years, she witnessed more than most could dream of. She was Mama, Aunt Baby, Lula Mae, Baby, and Mamaw to so many — a woman who blessed us all with a legacy of love, laughter, strength, resilience, and a lifetime of cherished memories.

She outlived two of her children and lived in her own beloved home in Simmons, Texas until the age of 97. That home was her happy place, and for all of us, it was a place that brought comfort and laughter to her children, our aunts, uncles, cousins, the Avon Lady, and any stray neighbors who showed up for a piece of apple pie. Memories of Mamaw’s house will forever be part of who we are — rope swings in the yard, homemade rolls, beans and cornbread, peach cobbler, fried chicken, and sweet tea. There was always the scent of bacon and coffee at 5:00 a.m. The sweetness of watermelon summers, swimming in the horse trough, and running barefoot down the gravel road to get the mail come to mind. Evenings spent watching Johnny Carson and Hee Haw, picking bluebonnets for her kitchen table, and the familiar presence of Ivory soap in the bathtub, Oil of Olay on the nightstand, and Vick’s Vapor Rub was always within reach.

Oh, the Vick’s Vapor Rub stories!

Mamaw’s house was coloring books and broken crayons, music playing from the “back room,” and dancing to the Gatlin Brothers and Freddy Fender records. At Christmas, there were always stockings filled with oranges, apples, and mixed nuts for all the grandchildren. And every Sunday — without fail — there was Sunday lunch. Family over everything was her way of life. No one ever left Mamaw’s house hungry, and no one ever left without at least a few deep belly laughs. Her wit was sharp, her laugh was loud, and upon leaving her house you would often hear a warning to be good, or a plea to “go ahead and stay the night” with her, as she walked you out the screen door, or one classic send-off I had to write down: “Be good, and if you can’t be good, then be good at it!” followed by her trademark cackle. We all also know the most famous Mamaw quote: “A hundred years from now, we’ll never know the difference.”

Mamaw’s 100 year old hands are etched in our hearts. They were the softest hands; despite all the hard work they had done. Always with beautiful nails, always polished, those hands were visible even in her last years, just barely peeking from beneath a blanket. Many of us took photos holding those hands in her final days, knowing the stories they could tell.

Those hands rocked all six of her babies, countless grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to sleep. They spanked a few bottoms when needed. They rolled out hundreds of tortillas and pie crusts. They turned the pages of her well-loved Bible and penned many grocery lists and letters to dear friends. They mopped floors, washed dishes, and hung thousands of loads of laundry on the line. As a young girl, those hands fetched chickens to butcher and prepare for dinner, and her hands have shot a doe or two, all by herself, that later became perfectly fried venison with gravy. They were hands that served, comforted, and loved without measure.

Mamaw never complained — not about her health, her hardships, or anything life put in her path. She was the strongest, fiercest person I have ever known, a fighter who loved her family more than herself. She taught us the value of family, forgiveness, and treasuring time together above all else.

We will miss our Mamaw forever, but we will carry her in our hearts always.

How blessed we have been to have had her so many years!