Lola Bell Gorman

B - Beginning of Life

With deep love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Lola Bell Gorman a woman whose heart of gold touched everyone she met. Born on November 6, 1947, in Marion, Alabama, to the late Frank and Minnie J. Walker Wimes, Lola carried a spirit of compassion and strength throughout her life. She's a proud 1966 graduate of Robert C. Hatch High School, where she took pride in later service as the alumni class secretary. She later relocated to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she continued to live a life rooted in service, love, and grace. Lola accepted Christ at Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Marion, Alabama, beginning her faith journey, and later joined the family church, Jerusalem Baptist Church, under the spiritual guidance of The Late Reverend Dr. Samuel Walker, Jr. and worshipped and served at Community Baptist Church under The Late Reverend Lenwood King.

I – Impact and Influence

On March 10, 1972, Lola married her beloved partner in life and in bingo, Lee Gorman III. She devoted her career to serving others, working as a Psychiatric Assistant at the Indiana State Developmental Center and later retiring in 1986 from the VA Hospital, where she served as a Nursing Assistant. Her compassion and care left a lasting impact on countless lives. Lola nursed many back to health and was a personal caregiver to numerous family members, always offering her healing hands and loving heart when they needed it most.

A gifted cook, Lola was known for her soulful meals especially her famous “greens, cornbread and dressing”, always seasoned with love and served with warmth. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, laughter, and togetherness, where everyone felt at home.

N – Notable Moments

Lola was an avid bingo player, known for playing with joy, enthusiasm, and competitive spirit. Her favorite call was a triumphant “BINGO!” a reflection of her vibrant personality and love for the game. She also had a special fondness for elephants, which she believed brought her good luck. Her love for gospel quartet music filled both her home and her heart, creating a comforting soundtrack of faith and devotion.

Lola was known for her soft-spoken phone chats, often whispering during long conversations especially with her favorite call partner, “Mr. Walker.”

Lola was a faithful presence at funerals in her community, always showing up to support others in their time of need especially with her greens being served at the repast. Her empathy, grace, and unwavering compassion were truly unmatched.

G – Generosity and Grace Above

Lola was affectionately known as “LoLo” by her grandchildren, a name filled with love and laughter. To her beloved husband, she was “LB” and “Slim” a graceful partner in life. And to everyone who knew her, she was the real Mrs. Gorman—a woman of elegance, strength, and heart. She was the biggest cheerleader for her children and grandchildren, her love unwavering, her encouragement constant, and her pride in her family immeasurable.

O – Ongoing Legacy

She leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and strength one that will continue to inspire all who knew her. Cherishing her memory are her devoted husband, Lee Gorman III; daughter, Twyla Causey; sons, Darryl (Nacera) Gorman, Andre, Antwon, Jamarkus Gorman (Stacey, fiancée); and bonus son, Titus Hunter. She was a proud grandmother to 16 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her loving sisters, Loustella Essex and Mary Wimes (Larry) Taylor; brothers, James (LaRonce) Wimes and Otis (Tina) Wimes; and cherished brothers-in-law: Robert Bennett, Eddie Jackson; her beloved uncle, Leroy Tolbert, and aunt, Mable Walker, along with a multitude of family and friends, will continue to carry her light forward.

As Lola takes her final rest, we believe she has called her greatest “BINGO” reunited in heaven with loved ones who went before her, waiting with open arms and joyful hearts. Her card was full, her heart even fuller, and now she celebrates in eternal peace, surrounded by the warmth, love, and laughter she gave so freely on earth.

Welcoming her home are her beloved parents, Frank and Minnie Walker Wimes; sisters, Hattie Powell, Mary Childs, Queen Bennett, Louise Parrish, and Minnie P. Wimes-Jackson; and brothers, Frank Wimes Jr., Albert Wimes, and William Wimes.