Obituary of Lula Smallhorne

Lula Millicent Smallhorne was born in Ciego De Avila, Cuba in 1923. She migrated to Jamaica with her parents, Luther Linton and Ann Malvina Linton (maiden name Anderson) who were originally from the parish of Trelawny, Jamaica, when she was six years old.

Lula (fondly known as "Lola"), received her early education in Kingston at Kingston Technical School. Upon graduation, she became an evening instructor in business skills at that same school. During her formative years, she excelled in music and was selected to attend the Royal College of Arts. There she studied music composition in addition to playing the piano and organ. She eventually used these skills to become choir director in Jamaica and New York at the various churches that she attended.

After living in New York for approximately five years, Lula returned to Jamaica to marry Frank Smallhorne who at the time was a Detective Corporal in the Jamaican Police Force. Frank predeceased Lula in 2009. Lula and Frank migrated to the United States and lived in New York for several years. While in New York, she worked at the International Ladies Garment Workers' Union where she had various positions as trainer/instructor, union representative, legal and executive secretary for the largest department in the union. She retired from this organization after 36 years and relocated to Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Lula loved people and enjoyed sharing her talents and giving her time to people, politics and especially organizations for youth development in all of the places that she resided. She was a driving force in establishing the YMCA in Port St. Lucie. One of Lula's strengths was her ability to motivate people and redirect them when necessary. She was a dominant force in promoting education and served as PTA president for several schools (elementary through high school) while her children attended.

Despite all of her talents and the time spent with all her activities, Lula never neglected her responsibilities as wife and mother. She was always there for her husband and children: Yvonne and Andrew, as well as grandchildren: Kimberly Kraus, Lauren Sarsoza, Tyler Smallhorne and great-grandchild Romell Sarsoza.

While in Port St. Lucie, Lula and Frank were members of the First Congregational Church. Lula served as president of the Women's Fellowship Committee and deacon. She also chaired several committees and organized many cultural events for the church and community. In addition to receiving many awards for her achievements, she had the honored privilege of meeting many outstanding individuals including: Eleanor Roosevelt, Martin Luther King and Bethune Cookman. By working with the unions she also came in contact with several dignitaries such as President Kennedy.

Lula leaves behind her children and their spouses: Yvonne and Paul Clayton, Andrew and Terry Smallhorne; grandchildren: Kimberly Kraus, Lauren Sarsoza, Tyler Smallhorne; great-grandchild Romell Sarsoza and several nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

SERVICES: There will be a funeral serviceat 11:30 AM on Monday, February 17, 2014 at the First Congregational Church with interment to follow in Forest Hills Memorial Pak, Palm City. Arrangements are under the direction of the Forest Hills Funeral Home, Palm City.

She will be greatly missed, but always remembered. She is definitely in a much better place and free from any suffering.