lula mcclure
1895-1917
Life Story
Early Life
Lula McClure was born in 1895 in Newton County, Mississippi, to McDuffy McClure and Lany Evans McClure. She grew up in the rural Newton community, where her family relied on farming and domestic labor for their livelihood.
Work and Daily Life
As a young woman, Lula worked as a cook, a common occupation for African American women in early 20th-century Mississippi. Cooks often served local families, farm households, or community members who relied on skilled domestic workers for meal preparation and household support. At the time of her passing, she was recorded as single.
Illness and Medical Circumstances
Lula became seriously ill in early July 1917. Her attending physician, Dr. Hardy, wrote:
“I saw her only one time. I knew she was in the last stages of tuberculosis. She was taken sometime last fall.”
His statement reveals that Lula had been suffering from tuberculosis for several months, likely without consistent medical treatment. Limited access to healthcare was common for rural African Americans during this period, leaving many families to rely on home care and community support.
Death
Lula passed away on July 12, 1917, at the young age of 22. Her brother, Cal McClure, served as the informant on her death certificate, providing family information for the official record. The certificate was filed the same day by registrar W. J. Gunter.
Burial
She was laid to rest in Newton County, Mississippi, with Bob Walker serving as the undertaker.
Resting Place
Photos/Albums
Sources
- Mississippi, U.S., Index to Deaths, 1912-1943
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
- Mississippi Death Certificate, Lula McClure, July 12, 1917, Newton County, Mississippi; Informant: Cal McClure; Attending Physician: Dr. Hardy; Registrar: W. J. Gunter.
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