Lula was born and raised in a small community south of Stilwell. She was raised by her grandparents which were very traditional people. Her grandfather was the Chief of their Stomp Grounds. Lula is a fluent speaker and a full blood Cherokee. She is married to James Mankiller and has five children. Lula has been doing traditional art for 25 years. She weaves baskets, does loom and fingerweaving, beadwork, cornhusk dolls, and makes mini stickball sticks.