Lula Mae Causey

Lula Mae Causey was born on February 12, 1940, in Smackover, Arkansas, to Carrie and Eddie Gilmore.

At the age of six, she moved to Los Angeles, California, where she was raised. She later made Milwaukee, Wisconsin, her home, where she built a life rooted in family, love, and unwavering devotion.

Lula met her beloved husband, Charles Edward Causey, in Milwaukee in 1960, and the two were united in marriage in 1963. Together, they built not only a marriage, but a legacy.

Lula and Charles owned and operated three taverns in historic Milwaukee, including the Moonlight Inn and C&L Goodtimes. Their final establishment, Goodtimes II, remained a part of the community until its closing in 1989. Through their work together, Lula demonstrated her entrepreneurship, determination, and an ability to build something lasting alongside the man she loved.

Lula also dedicated 18 years of her working life to Globe Union and Pabst before retiring in 1983. Her strong work ethic was a reflection of the same qualities she carried throughout her life: discipline, perseverance, and pride in doing things well.

Lula was sharp, witty, wise, and courageous, a true matriarch whose presence commanded both love and respect. She was kind, patient, selfless, and graceful, carrying herself with an elegance and poise that were unmistakably her own. Lula was particular about her hair, her clothes, and how she presented herself to the world. She believed in being the best version of yourself and taught her family that how you carry yourself matters.

She instilled in them the importance of compassion, dignity, and treating others with care. Everyone who encountered Lula felt her presence, and those who knew her loved and respected her deeply.

Above all, she was a devoted wife and mother. She loved her husband unconditionally and cherished the life they built together. She understood that love was not simply something you said, but something you demonstrated through patience, sacrifice, loyalty, and commitment. She taught her family what it meant to be a wife in every facet of the role and what it meant to be a mother whose love never wavered.

Her guidance was firm when it needed to be, gentle when it mattered most, and always rooted in love.

Selfless in all she did, Lula was someone who consistently put others before herself, giving her time, love, and care freely to the people who meant the most to her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thelma and Eddie Gilmore & Carrie and Cellus Meadows; her daughters, Edna Causey and Debra Causey; and her great-granddaughter, Kiasiah Young.

Lula leaves to cherish her memory her children: Karen Gilmore-Smith, Sabrina Causey, Rita Causey, Tonni Causey, and Charisse Causey; and Godson, Dante Martin.

Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Andre (Nicole) Gilmore, Kenesha (Roddrick) Booker, Charles (Julie) Causey, Antonio (Tivagia) Causey, Venessah (Brian) Jones, Jessica Smith, Serenah Causey, Valencia Martin, Tonnetta Carter, Elijah Williams, Noa Chatman, Joshua (Ashley) Julien, Dejiah Julien, and Micah Causey; and 26 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren.

Though Lula will be deeply missed, her wisdom, strength, and grace will live on through the generations.

Lula Mae Causey will be forever loved, remembered, and treasured.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026 from 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM. Service at 11:30 AM at Krause Funeral Home, 9000 West Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53222.

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Lula Mae Causey, please visit our Tribute Store.