12/01/2025
Legacy Tribute to Lula Inez Spencer
From SparksFly Welding & Manufacturing and She Sparks TOO Inc.
Today, we honor the remarkable legacy of Lula Inez Spencer, a woman whose life stretched across more than a century of change, progress, and perseverance. Born in 1918, Lula lived through eras that few of us can imagine, yet she moved through each chapter with strength, dignity, and a spirit that could not be contained. Living to be over 100 years old, she stands as a living bridge between generations—an elder whose journey inspires every woman working to build a better future with her own hands.
Long before women in welding were acknowledged, encouraged, or even welcomed, Lula stepped forward boldly into the trade. Her first field of study was welding, and she went on to work at the Navy Yard in Brooklyn, becoming a skilled welder during a time when both her race and gender made such a path almost impossible. She welded not only as a profession, but as an act of courage—paving the way for many women who would follow in her footsteps.
At SparksFly Welding and She Sparks TOO, we teach young women that welding is not just a craft—it is a declaration of independence, resilience, and capability. Lula embodied all of these qualities long before the world recognized the power of women in the trades. Her life shows us that the sparks we strike today were first lit by women like her.
Beyond welding, Lula lived a life of unwavering service. From nursing for 25 years, to being a pillar in her church communities, to feeding generations with hands skilled not only at work but in love—she represents the kind of woman whose legacy is measured not only by what she built, but by the lives she strengthened.
We honor her sharp mind, her jazzy spirit, her humor, her wisdom, and her faith. We honor the example she set—reminding us that women can build families, build careers, build communities, and yes, build metal.
To every young girl stepping into welding booths and classrooms across Georgia, South Carolina, and beyond:
Lula Inez Spencer walked this path before you. She made space for you. She proved that you belong.
May her century of life continue to inspire a century of new women welders, makers, mothers, leaders, and creators.
With love, respect, and gratitude,
SparksFly Welding &
She Sparks TOO Inc.