Lula Saylor

Lula Saylor, 88 of Payne passed away at her home on November 15, 2024. 

Lula Helen Burkley was born on February 17, 1936 to Raymond and Edith (Betts) Burkley. She was married to Lennis Harold Saylor on April 3, 1955, who survives. They were high school sweethearts who remained loving companions throughout their 69 years of marriage.

Four children would grace their family–Lennis Brent(Cheryl) Saylor of Haviland Denise (Randy) Wright of Defiance, Danette(dec) (Tim) Hall of Fishers, IN, and Joni (Randy) Wenninger of Payne. She was a wonderful grandmother to 13 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

Lula was best known as a talented pianist who could play classical music with great technical expertise. She also had a tremendous ear for playing pop music, hymns, and southern gospel . She began piano lessons at the age of 10 with Beulah Elick and studied with various teachers throughout her lifetime including Dr. Ira Gerig at the Ft. Wayne Bible College and Pia Sebastiani, Concert Artist in Residence at Ball State University. Lula operated the Saylor Piano Studio and taught approximately 300 students during her career including all 4 of her own children and several of her grandchildren. She was the church pianist and organist at the Payne Church of the Nazarene for over 60 years.

Most of all, Lula was a prayer warrior. She was often found reading her Bible or on her knees praying for her family, her church, and others that crossed her path. In her later years, Alzheimers would rob her of the ability to comprehend the world around her but she still knew her God was faithful.

Lula will be missed by many but her faithfulness to God and her music will be evident for generations to come.

Also surviving are her sister, Lorean McCollum of Payne and brother, Duane (JoAnn) Burkley of Ft. Wayne, IN.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Danette Hall, grandson Benjamin Saylor, sisters Orlea Seely and Veda Crawford and brother Dorce Burkley.

Visitation will be Monday, November 18th from 4-7pm at Payne Church of the Nazarene. 

Funeral services will be Tuesday, November 19th at 10:30am at the church with Rev. Michael Harper officiating. There will be a visitation from 9:30am until time of service.

Burial will follow in Wiltsie Cemetery.

Preferred memorials are to Payne Nazarene Church.

Fond memories may be shared at dooleyfuneralhome.com

FLOWERS AND OTHER TRIBUTES MAY BE DELIVERED DIRECTLY TO THE CHURCH ON MONDAY BETWEEN 9 AM AND 2 PM.