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Submitted: 8/2/22 • Approved: 8/3/22 • Last Updated: 8/6/22 • R1441752-G1441751-S3
May 13, 1927 - July 23, 2015
Lula Pappas Stathakis, 88, of Hot Springs, passed away July 23, 2015. Born 1927 in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Lula was the daughter of Peter and Eugenia Alexopoulos Pappas. The middle of three children, Lula grew up in a large Greek family and was a first generation American. At a young age, she began working in her family’s restaurant, Pappas Brothers. She graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1945 and went on to work at the Moody Hotel and later at The Personal Touch. She was active in the community as a member of the Hot Springs Jaycettes and served as Treasurer of The Daughters of Penelope. Lula was a lifelong, dedicated member of the Greek Orthodox Church where she sang in the choir. At a church dance in Little Rock, she met the love of her life, Sam Pete Stathakis, Sr. Lula and Sam were married October 24, 1948 before moving to Hot Springs to start a family. They raised their children to love their Greek heritage and religion. She used her talents as a cook to bring family together time and time again. Lula was famous for her “Yiayia” cookies, pastitso, hamburgers and Christmas morning breakfast. She also loved to celebrate others and was known to give gifts at any and every occasion. She was predeceased by husband Sam Pete Stathakis, Sr., sister Angeline Pappas, brother Dr. Deno Pappas, sister Marguerite Fotioo and brother in law Dr. George Fotioo. Lula will be remembered as a woman who deeply loved her family and whose greatest joy was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Her sweet spirit and kindness to others will be her legacy. Survivors include her daughter Stella and husband Dr. Robert McCrary, Jr., son Sam Stathakis, Jr. and wife Liz, grandchildren, Alexia McCrary, Dr. Matthew McCrary and wife Lauren, Stephen McCrary, Sara and husband Jeff Runyon, Megan Stathakis, great grandchildren Samantha and Alexia Runyon, Luke and Jack McCrary. She is additionally survived by her sisters-in-law Gwen Pappas, Lena Tzavaras, Kalli Stathakis, brother-in-law Ted Stathakis, cousins Dr. Socrates Pappas, Dr. Jim Pappas and wife Eva, Chris and Janis Polychron and many beloved and loving nieces and nephews. Serving as pallbearers are Ryan Daniel, Neil Groat, Matt McCrary, Stephen McCrary, Chris Polychron and Jeff Runyon. A special thank you to caregiver and friend Cheryl Kapella. The family would also like to thank the staff of Quapaw Nursing & Rehab for their excellent care. Visitation will be at 5:30pm followed by a 6pm Trisagion (memorial service) at Gross Funeral Home on Sunday, July 26th. The funeral service will be at 10am on Monday, July 27th at Zoodochos Peghee Greek Orthodox Church in Hot Springs with Rev. Dr. Nicholas Verdaris officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts gratefully accepted to The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 1100 Napa Valley Drive, Little Rock, AR 72211. The online obituary, guestbook, and memorial tribute are available at www.GrossFuneralHome.com.
Contributed on 8/2/22 by debbraszymanski
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Record #: 1441752