Lula Mae (Thomas) Aukland

 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:1-3)

Late-morning Monday, November 1, 2021 an Angel eased into Vidant Medical Center and led our mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend on her journey with no hesitation.  Being obedient, she never uttered a word, just took the extended hand and began her walk with ease.  During this walk, she gave her testimony.                                                           

I am Lula Mae Thomas Aukland of Greenville, NC. I know you know all about me, but I would like to reminisce.  Some call me “Big Ma” and my siblings call me “Ole Blue”. I was born May 29, 1932 in Bethel, NC to the late Dock and Edith McCray Thomas. I received Christ at an early age and remained a faithful member, usher, and church mother at New Saints Delight COGIC until my health failed. I was united in holy matrimony to the late Ernest Aukland. I was a loving wife and mother. I was the proud parent of my one and only baby girl the late Carrie Ann Thomas Andrews (James). I have loved every moment spent with my family and friends. I have spent my time here well, and I won’t complain. 

Forever cherishing my memory are: my granddaughter Betty Best (Cedric) of the home, my three great granddaughters, Konica Thomas, Greenville NC Makeema Ross (Gregory) Winterville, NC Tashekia Cobb (CJ) El Paso, Texas. Four great-great granddaughters, Ashya, Azianna, Makenzie, and Neaveh. One great great grandson Gracyn. Who all call me “Big Ma.” I leave my loving sister, Edna Williams of Contoe, NC. Five of my siblings proceed me in death Samuel Thomas, Margret Mooring, Dock Thomas Jr, and James B. Thomas. One loving aunt Hattie Allen of Hamden, CT. One sister-in-love Christine Thomas of New Haven CT. Two God-great granddaughters Keshonda Newton of Greenville, NC and Nikki Miller (Sharif) of Goldsboro, NC. Two God-great great grandsons Kyion and Jaysen. I also leave behind a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins that I love dearly. One special niece, who cared for me Nellie Davis (Tyrone) of Greenville, NC. One special nephew, Earl Thomas (Maxine) of Bethel, NC who I affectionally called “my boy.”  One of my great nieces, Cierra Thomas who helped take care of me while I lived in Bethel, NC.  Also one of my great nephews Domnique Thomas who came to sit with me a lot.

To all my family and friends, don’t worry about me. I have been blessed. I love you all. I know you loved and cared for me, but as you see, God loves me too and has called me home.

                                                                                                                                   ~Forever in your heart, Lula Mae

On behalf of Rountree Family Mortuary, we want to extend our sincere condolences to your family in the passing of your loved one.  We want to thank you for trusting us with their care.  Rountree Family Mortuary realize we face challenging times in the midst of the current public health crisis caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). 

Rountree Family Mortuary realize that many of you are receiving questions from family members and have questions of your own related to the Coronavirus.  Rountree Family Mortuary pledges to do everything, within the mandated governmental guidelines, to ensure you have peace of mind and are able to grieve and celebrate the life and memories of your loved one like everyone else before the emergency procedures took effect.

Please be assured that your safety and the safety of our staff are the number one priority at Rountree Family Mortuary.  In an effort to protect you and our staff from unnecessary exposure, we respectfully request:

If you have a cold or have been around someone with a cold, please stay home.

Please observe the social distance requirement by staying 6 feet away from others.

Please cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash.

Avoid hugging, kissing, or touching others.

Please wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.

Please use hand sanitizer when available.

In an effort to bring as many members of your family, friend, co-workers, and the community together to participate as they would in normal times, we will be providing live streaming of the funeral services to provide access to anyone who wants to feel and be a part of the service.

It is critically important that families be allowed to share their loss with others through a traditional family gathering.  Rountree Family Mortuary is willing to help you plan a more traditional service once the public health circumstances have improved.  This is a rapidly evolving situation and information and guidance change frequently.  We will continue to update you with new or relevant information as the need arises.

Rountree Family Mortuary is dedicated to continuing helping families find healing and hope even in the worst of times.  

May God bless you and keep you,

THE ROUNTREE FAMILY

The funeral service will be live-streamed via Facebook under Tina Wiggins Rountree or https://www.facebook.com/tina.rountree

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lula Mae (Thomas) Aukland, please visit our floral store.