Lola Bell Coker

Lola B. Coker passed away peacefully on Friday February 3, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She was born January 17, 1953, in Fayetteville, TN to both the late Ananias Harwell and Bertha M Harwell Bryson.

Lola accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and was a member of West End Cumberland Presbyterian Church (Fayetteville, TN) where she learned about the love of God and was baptized. Lola was a graduate of Central High School in Fayetteville, TN where she remained an active alum. After High School Graduation, Lola would relocate to Akron Ohio where she met and married Clarence Coker and had two children.  Lola was an active and devoted member of the Akron community for over 50 years.

Lola became a member of the New Hope Baptist Church where she sang in the Choir for many years. Lola was active politically, volunteering on several Democratic Campaigns, helping with phone banks and voter transportation.  Community Activism was important to Lola as she was active in several community organizations and has been an appointed Board Member for the West Side Neighborhood Development Corporation for over 25 years.  Lola was also employed and retired from Akron Summit Community Action agency where she established food pantries, clothing donation centers, started countless programs and helped so many people in every way possible. Lola volunteered tirelessly and mentored so many people. Lola was also a Pioneering Entrepreneur- owning the very first African American, Female owned Allstate Insurance Agency in Akron Ohio and being one of the Founding Members of the Copley Road Merchants Association.  She continued her entrepreneurial spirit in retirement as she still owned and operated a flourishing tax and accounting business. Lola was beloved by all and never met a stranger.

Lola was preceded in death by her parents Ananias Harwell and Bertha M Harwell Bryson, Sisters Ethelene Dunbar, Anna D. Williams, and Susie M Henderson, Nephew Gary L. Harwell Sr. Former Husband Clarence Coker. Special Friends Jacqueline Clemons and Elaine Tanner-Gibson.

Lola leaves to cherish her memory her beloved children Thea (Nikki) Coker – Reynolds (Eric) and Corey D Coker (Kimberly), both of Columbus OH., Partner Reginald Dove of Akron, OH. 4 Grandsons:Anthony (Michelle), Devontae, Larreal and Corey Jr. all of Columbus, OH. Siblings:  Annie Brown of Kalamazoo MI, Brother Robert Harwell of Fayetteville TN, Paulette Harwell and Paulene (Kenny)-Campbell both of Toledo Ohio; Devoted Niece Bridgette Harwell of Akron Ohio, Special Cousin Michael (Charlette)Massey of Eustis, FL; God Daughters: Danique Dancy, Kelly (Leroy) Fann, Lansdale, PA, Tameka Becton of Phoenix AZ and Shawna (George) Barnett of Columbus, OH. God Son: Justin (Latoya) Greer of Columbus, OH. Special Friends Margie, Kay, Valarie, Kathy, Portia, and Wanda H along with a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends. 

Celebration of Life will be held Saturday February 11, 2023, at New Hope Baptist Church 1706 S. Hawkins Akron, OH 44320 at noon. Friends and family may visit from 11:00 am until time of service. Pastor Derwood Lockett, eulogizing. Pastor Stacey Jenkins, officiating. Condolences can be sent to 781 Frederick Blvd. Akron, OH 44320