Obituary for Lula Mae Van Brakle (Binns)
A Wonderful Life
Lula Mae Van Brakle, born August 20, 1935, to the late Sim and Mary Binns, departed this worldly life at the age of 87, on Saturday, December 10, 2022. She is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Van Brakle Jr., and siblings, Johnny, Daisy, Virginia, Agnes and Sim, Jr.
Lula was born and raised in Washington, GA, but moved to Washington, DC upon graduating from high school. Once there, she met and married the love of her life, Charles, on September 23rd, 1957. They went on to have two children, Dana and Regina. The love that they shared for one another was truly unconditional and felt by everyone who knew them. They were privileged enough to love each other for 50 years until Charles was called home to be with the Lord.
Lula was the Binns’ family Matriarch and poured so much love and joy into everyone she encountered. She was a spiritual guide, a moral compass, and everything in between for those she loved. She kept her family first and foremost in her heart, thoughts, actions, and prayers. She was a fighter and a protector and did whatever necessary for her family while wearing a smile. She lived a life filled with love and laughter and left this world a much better place. She was thoughtful, generous, and touched many lives with her kind and joyful spirit.
Lula’s calling and gift was that of a nurturer. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and she helped raise numerous nieces and nephews. She and her sisters, Gin and Ann (Big Boss) were thick as thieves and thoroughly devoted to one another. Her granddaughters were the center of her heart – she loved them so much and she was so proud of them. She gave them the nicknames, Sunshine, Sunflower, and Shining Star. Her family would do anything in their power to protect her because of the tremendous amount of love she effortlessly poured into them all.
Lula was grounded in Faith and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. She was previously a member of Rocky Mount Baptist Church and was a member of Kettering Baptist Church in Upper Marlboro, MD, under the pastoral care of Pastor Bucas Sterling III. She would attend church faithfully each Sunday until COVID hit, and then she would join the service online each Sunday. She deeply loved the Lord and she allowed him to guide all of her steps. She was a prayer warrior and kept bible verses on her bathroom wall as her daily affirmations. Her faith was unwavering and admirable to everyone she would come in contact with.
Lula is survived by her baby sister Ann (Aldrew) Binns, son Dana Van Brakle, daughter Regina Van Brakle, daughter-in-law, Gloria Van Brakle, granddaughters, Jherika, Danielle, and Jhasmyn, great-grand son MJ, and a host of extended family. Her husband loved to sing to her and one of his favorite songs was “Danny Boy”. There is a part that rings true now and says, “For you will bend and tell me that you love me, and I shall sleep in peace until you come to me”. She has finally been reunited with him in eternal bliss. Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her family and many friends.
Lula Mae Van Brakle, born August 20, 1935, to the late Sim and Mary Binns, departed this worldly life at the age of 87, on Saturday, December 10, 2022. She is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Van Brakle Jr., and siblings, Johnny, Daisy, Virginia, Agnes and Sim, Jr.
Lula was born and raised in Washington, GA, but moved to Washington, DC upon graduating from high school. Once there, she met and married the love of her life, Charles, on September 23rd, 1957. They went on to have two children, Dana and Regina. The love that they shared for one another was truly unconditional and felt by everyone who knew them. They were privileged enough to love each other for 50 years until Charles was called home to be with the Lord.
Lula was the Binns’ family Matriarch and poured so much love and joy into everyone she encountered. She was a spiritual guide, a moral compass, and everything in between for those she loved. She kept her family first and foremost in her heart, thoughts, actions, and prayers. She was a fighter and a protector and did whatever necessary for her family while wearing a smile. She lived a life filled with love and laughter and left this world a much better place. She was thoughtful, generous, and touched many lives with her kind and joyful spirit.
Lula’s calling and gift was that of a nurturer. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and she helped raise numerous nieces and nephews. She and her sisters, Gin and Ann (Big Boss) were thick as thieves and thoroughly devoted to one another. Her granddaughters were the center of her heart – she loved them so much and she was so proud of them. She gave them the nicknames, Sunshine, Sunflower, and Shining Star. Her family would do anything in their power to protect her because of the tremendous amount of love she effortlessly poured into them all.
Lula was grounded in Faith and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. She was previously a member of Rocky Mount Baptist Church and was a member of Kettering Baptist Church in Upper Marlboro, MD, under the pastoral care of Pastor Bucas Sterling III. She would attend church faithfully each Sunday until COVID hit, and then she would join the service online each Sunday. She deeply loved the Lord and she allowed him to guide all of her steps. She was a prayer warrior and kept bible verses on her bathroom wall as her daily affirmations. Her faith was unwavering and admirable to everyone she would come in contact with.
Lula is survived by her baby sister Ann (Aldrew) Binns, son Dana Van Brakle, daughter Regina Van Brakle, daughter-in-law, Gloria Van Brakle, granddaughters, Jherika, Danielle, and Jhasmyn, great-grand son MJ, and a host of extended family. Her husband loved to sing to her and one of his favorite songs was “Danny Boy”. There is a part that rings true now and says, “For you will bend and tell me that you love me, and I shall sleep in peace until you come to me”. She has finally been reunited with him in eternal bliss. Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her family and many friends.