Lois B. Fulton

With a warm smile and a heart filled with gladness, Lois Bernice Evert Fulton lived a life rich in faith and family. A person who embodied the principles of her faith, Lois lived every moment to the fullest. She embraced each day as a gift and welcomed every person as a friend. She possessed a terrific sense of humor and could inspire a smile on the face of even the most stubborn curmudgeon. In her heart, all were afforded safe harbor, especially in the face of life’s challenges and sorrows. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Lois will long be remembered and ever so missed. The early 1920s were marked by tremendous confidence, prosperity, and previously unknown comforts. The economy boomed, wages rose for most Americans, and prices fell, resulting in a higher standard of living for most. With the inventions of the washing machine, vacuum cleaner, self-winding watch, bulldozer, instant camera, drive-in restaurants, Band-Aids, and the convertible, the post-war era marked significant advancement, and morale flourished throughout the land. While the U.S. census proved for the first time in history that more Americans lived in urban areas than rural ones, the wave of sweeping social and economic growth grew exponentially with the ratification of the 19th amendment, which granted women the right to vote. More than a million women worked in white-collar jobs while the automobile industry nearly doubled. Tremendous confidence, prosperity, and previously unknown comforts marked this roaring decade. This vibrant decade grew even brighter for Paul and Cora (Mallory) Evert as they welcomed their daughter, Lois, into their family on April 20, 1922, at home in East Lansing, Michigan. Growing up as the middle of the three Evert children, Lois enjoyed the good company of her brothers, Ray and Stan. From her first days, Lois learned the importance of family and the values of hard work and resourcefulness. Her parents were farmers who modeled these important values, as well as building their family life on the firm foundation of faith and education. At the age of 14, Lois and her family accepted an invitation to attend Mason First Church of the Nazarene, where Lois became a Christian. Her love for God and the church inspired her to serve her church community in many ways. She played the piano, sang, and participated in the Kids Hope program. After graduating from James Couzens Agricultural School, now Bath High School, in 1941, Lois attended Lansing Business University. In time, Lois met the love of her life, Robert James Fulton. They were introduced to one another by Edith and Warren Holcomb. Edith and Warren knew Lois and rented to Robert and thought they would make a good match. They were right! Committed to sharing their lives with one another, on July 25, 1947, Lois and Robert married. The happy couple settled into married life in the Lansing area, and Lois worked for the Board of Water and Light. She later worked for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Lois and Robert were blessed to welcome four daughters to their family. Lois relished in motherhood and dedicated herself to creating a loving and supportive home for her girls. She consciously leaned into her faith, centering herself Apostle Paul’s call to “live to be content in every situation.” A powerful role model, Lois read the Bible daily and lived by its teachings. She never complained about life’s hardships but instead found the gift in every moment. Whether playing hymns on the piano or organ, cheering on her daughters’ endeavors, or comforting a loved one in need, Lois lived wholeheartedly and with unwavering trust in the Lord. Upon retiring in 1986, Lois and Robert built their home at Indian Lake Nazarene Camp. As their family grew to include grandchildren, Lois welcomed her new role with great joy. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her heart’s delight, and she cherished sharing time with them. She especially loved playing games. While her favorites were Skip-Bo, Dominos, and Scrabble, she enjoyed any game she could get her loved ones to play with her. She crocheted many wonderful gifts over the years and always enjoyed eating out and a bowl of ice cream. It is difficult to imagine life in the absence of Lois’ steadfast smile and joy for life. May we find comfort in our many treasured memories as well as in the honor of carrying her beautiful legacy forward. With each moment we chose faith over fear, lovingly welcome a stranger as a friend, count our blessings, and meet the day with a smile, we celebrate the many ways Lois gifted the world. In this way, we keep her spirit alive and inspiring others as she so inspired each of us. Lois Bernice Evert Fulton passed away on April 7, 2021, at the age of 98. Lois was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, daughter, Penny Jean, son-in¬-law Thomas Adams, brothers and sisters-in-law Ray (Nina) Evert, Stan (Annabelle) Evert, Barbara Warner Fulton, Audrey Bishop Fulton, Dorothy (Bernard) West. She is survived by daughters Paula Fulton, Linda Adams, Coralee (Dan) Behr all of Vicksburg, Ml. Six grandchildren Kendra (Brian) Lee, Krista (Kelly) Kraemer, Aaron Behr, Andrew (Lydia) Behr, Adam (Danae) Behr, and Michael Adams. Six great-grandchildren, Alyse Kraemer, Lillianna, Autumn, Willow, Oliver, and Gabriella Behr. Also, several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held on Monday, April 12, 2021, at 11am at Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene, 7520 East U Ave, Vicksburg, MI 49097. The family will have a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church, beginning at 10am. Lois will be buried privately at Fort Custer National Cemetery. While at Lois’ webpage at www.mccowensecord.com, please take time to read her life story, sign her guestbook by lighting a candle, and/or share a memory. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Indian Lake Nazarene Camp or the Nazarene Missions through Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene. The family is being served by the McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, 409 South Main, Vicksburg, MI 49097 (269) 649-1697