Lola Dean McNair

Lola Dean McNair transitioned peacefully on August 8, 2023, at home in Dothan, Alabama surrounded by love.

Lola was born on November 10th, 1945, in Barbour County, Alabama to the late Roy and Ollie Mae (Doll) Burks. She later accepted Christ at the age of eight at St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church in Texasville, Alabama.  Lola was a gifted student and educated in the Barbour County school system.  She later moved to Orlando, Florida where she studied nursing, married her first husband, Freddie J. Smith and raised her four children, Loretta, Carolyn, Freddie, and Tonya.

While living with her family in Orlando, Lola worked as a trusted employee of the Allen Company where she managed dangerous pharmaceuticals for many years.  She also joined the Church of God where she served faithfully, helming a children’s ministry called the Joy Belles, before returning home to Alabama to join Macedonia COGIC.  It was there she met and later married, Bennie McNair, her husband of 31 years.  She remained a member of Macedonia until moving to her final church home, Outlet Ministries, which she founded with her son, Pastor Freddie Smith. 

Lola will be remembered forever for her infectious smile, her uniquely soft-spoken voice, her warm and loving nature, and her willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. She’ll also be remembered for her love of cooking, of family gatherings, ministering in nursing homes, singing, playing the piano, thrifting, and watching her favorite game show, Family Feud.

As we bid farewell to a remarkable woman, we find solace in knowing that her spirit lives on through the memories and love she shared with us. She found joy in connecting with people and helping others.  Her presence and heart of gold would light up a room and endeared her to anyone she met. She led a rich, fulfilling life and touched the hearts of everyone she encountered. Lola cherished every interaction she had with others, but her love for her husband, children, grandchildren, and family was truly immeasurable. She poured her heart and soul into their lives and embraced every role she played with unwavering love.  Lola loved spreading the word of God and lived her life with that intent and purpose. 

In addition to her parents, Roy and Ollie Mae Burks, Lola is preceded in death by her stepmother, Bernice Burks, her sister, Alice Joyce Burks, her brother, Lonnie Burks, and her stepson, Terry McNair.  

Lola leaves behind to honor and cherish her memory, her husband, Bennie Frank McNair; Children, Loretta (Ken) Whittingham, Carolyn (Benjamin) Shirley, Freddie (Rosie) Smith, Tonya (Aaron) Miller; Stepchildren (Smith), Debra, Veronica and Jackie; Stepchildren (McNair), Cedric, Nathaniel, Michael, Antonio, Debbie, Audrey, Linda, Lorraine, Angela, Christaline & Pam; Sisters, Bernice Louise Oliver, Catherline Jackson,   Sarah Louise (CJ) Burks, Mary Darlene (Rodney) Burks, Mary Carolyn (Dan) Thomas, LaTonya (Cedric) Foster; Brothers, Willie Roy (Belinda) Burks, John L (Wanda) Burks, Ray Charles Burks, James Earl (Pearl) Burks; seventeen grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and loving friends she treated as family.

May her soul rest in eternal peace.

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