Ms. Lela Jeanette Malone

Lela was born on June 30, 1934 in Camp Hill, Alabama to the union o-]ohn Sr. and Mary Pulliam. She was educated in the Tallapoosa County Public Schools and attended Alabama A&M College. Lela gave her life to Chris and was baptized at an early age at New Hope Baptist Church in Camp Hill. While at Alabama A&M, she met the love of her life, Charles J. Malone. The two were united in holy matrimony on September 2, 1955. To this union, two daughters were born, both of whom were loved by their parents beyond measure. Charles relocated his family from Alabama to Milwaukee, WI in 1959. Not long after arriving in Milwaukee, Lela united with Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Reverend John H. Brent. She loved her pastor, Reverend Dr. Hugh Davis, Jr. and her Mt. Carmel church family. She was a faithful member of the Matrons, Ushers, and most recently, Greeters. Upon arriving in Milwaukee, Lela worked with a number of companies until she landed in her beloved career, as an educator with Milwaukee Public Schools. She retired from MPS in 1994 after several decades. After retirement, she dedicated herself to helping others in need until she was physically unable to do so. Lela was known to many by the love and compassion she showed to everyone. Her love for people extended beyond the church and into her home. She was a loving mother and a role model for her daughters and other young women in the church. Her doors were open to anyone in need. She always greeted you with a "big" beautiful smile and a warm and compassionate hug. It was her gift from God. She loved as Christ loves us-unconditionally. Lela loved to cook. Many of those who visited her home were blessed to enjoy many of the delicious dishes she cooked and shared. The kitchen was where she was free to express herself whether it was making her southern homemade biscuits; her famous pound cakes from scratch; or her southern mustard and turnip greens. Her love for baking will be carried on through her son-in-law, Horace, who now makes one of her favorite cakes from scratch known as the white chocolate pecan cake. Lela was what we refer to as a "Fashionista." She enjoyed all things relating to fashion. She encouraged us to: pay our bills first, make sure we had on our make-up and lipstick, and most importantly, PRAY! Preceding Lela into eternal life was her loving husband, Charles Malone; her parents, John Sr. and Mary Pulliam; and eight siblings: Ethel, Hattie, Peavy, James, Samuel, Wilbur, John Jr. and Corene. Lela is survived by her devoted daughters, Jacquline (Horace) Jones and Annette Malone, both of Milwaukee WI; three grandchildren, Nakeesha Brown of Milwaukee, WI, Leah Jones of Largo, MD and Sheneal (DeWayne) Wilburn of Orlando, FL; three sisters-in-law, Queen Esther Pulliam of Rockville, MD, Della Thomas of Milwaukee, WI and Mary Frances Malone of Dayton, OH; "My other daughter", Treatha Reid Fox; a very special god-daughter, Robin Williams; like a son, Gary Patterson; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, relatives and very special friends.

Ms. Lela Jeanette Malone

June 30, 1934 - November 18, 2017