Obituary of Lola Marie Loper
Age 85, of Flint, died Wednesday, September 25, 2019, at Wellbridge of Grand Blanc. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place 12:00 noon, Friday, October 4, 2019, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Mt. Morris. Rev. Fr. Roy Horning will officiate with burial to follow at Flint Memorial Park. Lola’s family will be present to receive friends on Thursday, from 1:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Martin Funeral, Cremation, and Tribute Services in Mt. Morris. On Thursday evening, family, friends, and parish will gather at the funeral home to pray the Rosary at 7:00 PM. On Friday morning, Lola will be taken to church to lie in state from 10:00 AM until the time of Funeral Mass at 12:00 noon. Those desiring may direct memorial contributions to St. Mary Catholic Church, or The Alzheimer’s Foundation. Donations may be made through Lola’s memorial page on www.martinfuneralhome.com, or envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Lola was born March 6, 1934, in St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Lewis and Lena Belle (Eaves) Porter. Educated in St. Louis, Lola graduated with honors from Sumnner High School in 1952. Upon her graduation, Lola would go on to marry the love of her life, Willie Samuel Loper on February 16, 1953, in St. Louis. They were married for 66 years, until Willie’s death on March 7th of this year. Lola moved to Flint in 1954, with her family in tow. In 1968, with five children and her husband, Lola went back to school to finish her education, graduating in 1970, with her Associates Degree in Nursing. Lola’s graduating class was the last class to graduate from J.C. Community College before they changed their name to Mott Community College. In 1955, Lola went to work for Hurley Medical Center as a nurse. After dedicating 33 years to Hurley, Lola retired in 1988. During her employment, Lola was the first trailblazer of the Black Nurse’s Association. Upon her retirement, Lola would spend more time doing the things she loved; spending time with her family, crossword puzzles, bowling with the Richfield Senior Bowling League and serving as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary's. Lola was a bright and beautiful spirit who’s light will be missed.
Left to cherish her memory are her children: Charlotte Loper, Winfred and wife, Cheree Loper, Harvey and wife, Michele Loper, and Ira and wife, Cynthia Loper; grandchildren: Rhosonda and husband, Lamont Marzette, Erika Loper, Sharritta Taylor, Jerell Loper, Danecia Loper, Stephanie Loper, Jarett and wife, Nikiya Loper, Tocarlos James, Jovan Burleson, Bianca Barfield, Justin and wife, Phyllis Loper, and Kendra Loper; 23 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; special niece, Cheryl Wyms; two sisters, Marilyn Pitts, and Anita and husband, Willie Evans; brother, Marvin Porter; special friends; Margaret Campbell, Yvonne Hubbard, and Mary Streeter; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Derwin Loper; sisters, Doris Jean Phillips, and Joyce Ann Wyms; and brother-in-law, Herbert Wyms.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Wellbridge of Grand Blanc.
