Annabelle Lu

Annabelle Lu, age 84, of Bel Air MD, passed away on April 3 at the University of Maryland Health Center in Baltimore, MD. Early on, she was an enthusiast for missionary and Christian works, the view inculcated in her by her parents, the late Willie Truman Compton and the late Grace Violet King Compton. She was born in Keith, WV, and raised in Ameagle WV. It was a tightly-knit segregated coal-mining town, but she was the first to volunteer to teach in black churches in the area. After receiving her BA in religious studies from Bob Jones University, and Master in Religious Education from New York Biblical Seminary, she served at New York Seaman's Church, giving Bibles to and praying for and with drunken sailors. This was followed by a position as Director of Christian Education at Grove Reformed Church in North Bergen, NJ.

Married to Dr. David J. Lu, who survives, the couple would have celebrated their 60th anniversary on June 5. They have four children, David John Lu, Jr. of McLean VA, Dr. Daniel Mark Lu and wife Nancy of Ventura, CA, Mrs. Cynthia Lu King and her husband David of Bel Air, MD, and Stephen Paul Lu and his wife Yolanda of Peoria, IL. There are seven loving grandchildren: Kevin William King, Brian Matthew King, Annamaria Gabrielle Lu, Olivia Violet Lu, Naomi Kathryn Lu, Christina Ann King, and Ava Katerina Lu. Of her three siblings, a sister Mae Stewart of York, SC survives.

In 1960, Dr. Lu assumed a position at Bucknell University, and the couple became long-time residents of Lewisburg, PA and Milton, PA. There she is remembered by her love of music, gardening as well as Sunday school teaching and other church activities at First Presbyterian in Lewisburg, and Milton Presbyterian.

On the occasion of her engagement, October 18, 1953, she gave her future husband a picture of herself. On the back of the portrait, these words were found: Whatever your task, work heartily, as serving the Lord and not men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you are serving the Lord Christ Col.3:23, 24….that our joy may be full.'

The life she lived can be summarized in one phrase Soli Deo Gloria.

Those who desire may contribute to New Covenant Christian School, 128 St. Mary's Church Road, Abingdon, MD 21009