Lola Louise Bunker, 91, of Fernandina Beach, FL, went to be with the Lord on February 11, 2021, with family members by her side.
Lola was born on July 8, 1929 to Lyman Bunker, Jr. and Louise Beach Bunker. She was adopted and raised by her grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. L.L. Bunker. Dr. Bunker, a practicing physician in Fernandina for 25 years, adored his granddaughter and she loved to tell the story of how the local police preferred her driving skills over her grandfather’s and permitted her to drive him to his house calls even though she was only 9 years of age.
Lola was fortunate to grow up living at the beach where she loved to swim, fish and collect shells. During her high school years, she served her community as a lifeguard for the City of Fernandina and volunteered as a Candy Striper at Nassau General Hospital. She worked as a reporter for the Fernandina News Leader during after school hours. Throughout her time as a student at Fernandina High, Lola was involved in many clubs and was the Alt. Co-Captain of the girl’s basketball team. In her senior year, she was the Editor-in-chief of the “first” Fernandina High PIRATE Annual- 1947.
After graduating, Lola married Claude Haddock and they had three children together. During the 60’s, Lola enrolled in the first FCCJ satellite courses offered at FBHS and attained her AA degree. In 1973, Lola moved to Jacksonville, FL, remarried and attained her Broker’s Real Estate License, specializing in Commercial Real Estate. During her Real Estate career, she served as President of Jacksonville’s Northside Chamber of Commerce. Lola also attained certification as a Baptist Chaplain and mi9nistered to patients in area hospitals. While residing in Jacksonville, she was a member and children’s teacher at Mayfield Baptist Church.
Lola moved back to Fernandina in 1994, purchased a beach house and returned to the life she enjoyed as a child. She retired from her Real Estate career at age 81.
Lola was a dedicated and loving mother and grandmother and she cherished spending time with her family. A perpetual student, Lola was always eager to learn something new. Some of her many interests and hobbies were painting, writing poetry, reading, music, singing, traveling, sewing, needlepoint, genealogy, baking wedding cakes for family and friends, walks on the beach and spending time with her pets.
Lola was well loved by anyone who met her and will be missed by many. She leaves behind her children, Greg (Cindie) Haddock, Mark (Trish) Haddock, Claudia Haddock; grandchildren Shawn Haddock, Kevin Haddock, Meredith (Brian) Lane, Trey (Kathy) Haddock, Morgan and Mitch Christian, Meghann (Camron Owens) Koch; great-grandchildren Cole and Carson Harris, Emma Grace Lane, Kendyl and Kade Haddock, Carson and Callie May Koch and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions honoring Lola be made to the Nassau County Council on Aging or Community Hospice.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.