Lula Mae Elk

Lula Mae Elk was born March 22nd, 1961, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma to Charles Elk and Dorothy (Wolfe) Brackett. She had nine brothers and five sisters. Growing up in the Rocky Mountain and Stillwell area as a child, Lula grew fond of the great outdoors and all its hidden treasures. Lula especially enjoyed going on walks of exploration, hunting mushrooms, wild onions, and rocks. She grew up in an area where her native Cherokee language was spoken, and traditional medicine was still used in everyday life.

Lula met her life partner James Mankiller on Labor Day Weekend at Stokes Ceremonial Grounds. The couple had a bond that was unbreakable. They built a beautiful life together, raising five children, three sons, Ronald, Smokey, and Jacob, and two daughters, Rayna and Chramaine. Lula and James spent forty beautiful years together before his passing. Throughout their forty years together the couple spent their time visiting National Forest, vacationing all over the United States including Las Vegas, New Orleans, and enjoyed several exploits together such as searching for crystals, diamonds, and any other hidden treasure they could find.

During her career path she obtained her LPN license at Bill Willis and worked for Tahlequah Nursing Home for a short time. Eventually, opening her own daycare facility for around two years, before she began her career path at Cherokee Nation where she worked for over twenty-four years. Lula advanced in several jobs at the Cherokee Nation, starting out in the Circle and then a combination of several other jobs leading up to her position as a Language Specialist. The Cherokee Nation awarded Lula “Beloved Woman” and “National Treasure” amongst the course of her career path for her dedicated service to her people and nation. Lula was very involved in traditional Cherokee activities and ceremonies. It was at Flint Rock Ceremonial Grounds where she often enjoyed participating in and attending Turtle Shell Shakers Stomp Dances, cleansing and harvest seasonal dances, ceremonies to remove negative thoughts, and several other ceremonies to commemorate an assortment of events in the natural cycle of life. Lula also took great pride in, fishing, cooking, playing stickball, and teaching her children the traditions and customs of her ancestors. She simply enjoyed being with her family on the ceremonial grounds she grew up on. It was more than just traditions, ceremonies, and rituals it was a way of life.

In her leisure time Lula enjoyed watching old “Country and Western” films and listening to some of her favorite old-time legends like, Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, Reba McEntire, George Jones, Merle Haggard, and Elvis Presley. Denim being her preferred attire on any occasion, and sky blue being her favorite color are both a great representation of her tranquil and spirited nature. She was one with nature and possessed a great talent for gardening. Lula also enjoyed numerous traditional crafts such as weaving, beading, pottery, and quilting among several other traditional skilled crafts. The mention of her green thumb, love for nature, and indulgence in crafty hobbies paints a vivid picture of her vibrant and well-rounded life. Lula left this earthly realm on November 18th, 2024, in Tulsa, Oklahoma surrounded by family and friends. Her love, life, and legacy will live on in the hearts of all that were fortunate enough to have been loved by her.

Lula is preceded in death by her grandparents, her parents, Charles Elk and Dorothy (Wolfe) Brackett; husband James Mankiller; one son, Smokey Mankiller; one sister, Laura Elk; two brothers, Tommy Elk and Samuel Elk.

Those left to carry on her legacy include her sons, Ronald Elk of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and Jacob Mankiller and wife Betty of Park Hill, Oklahoma; one daughter, Rayna Dominguez of Arlington, Texas; four sisters, Tina Leach and husband Dean of Rocky Mountain, Oklahoma, Terissa Contreras of Ft. Worth, Texas, Sherry Lara of Ft. Worth, Texas, Luggie Brackett of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; six brothers, William “Cokie” Elk, Charles Elk, Absolom “El Roy” Brackett, Shannon Wing, Samuel Elk, Mickey McClendon, and John McClendon, fifteen grandchildren, six great grandchildren and one soon to be.

A wake service for Lula will be held Monday, November 25, 2024 from 12:30 PM to 10:00 AM at the families home, 26893 S Indian Rd, Park Hill, Oklahoma. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Rocky Mountain Community Building, Stilwell, Oklahoma.

Lula will be laid to rest in Echota Cemetery, Stilwell, Oklahoma.

Serving as pallbearers are Cokie Elk, Jake Mankiller, Disosdi Elk, Shannon Wing, Absolom Brackett, Garion Doyle. Honorary Pallbearers include Ronald Elk, Smokey Rey Mankiller and James Don Mankiller.